Titus Bramble insists he can take criticism

Jul 24 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

TITUS Bramble is unruffled by the mixed reaction from Sunderland supporters to his signing for the club and has insisted he would never have joined the Black Cats if he could not handle criticism.

The capture of Bramble has not gone down well with some fans who remember him as a figure of fun at Newcastle United, but the powerful centre-back is not upset by the negativity.

Instead, the 28-year-old has vowed to do everything he can to prove himself on Wearside as he argued he is a far better player than the one that left St James’ Park three years ago.

Bramble has been subjected to some vicious criticism in his time and is adamant he is strong enough to cope with whatever comes his way as a Sunderland player.

“If I was worried about what people said about me, or wrote about me, I wouldn’t have come here,” said Bramble (pictured right), who is hoping to make his first appearance for his new club at Leicester City next weekend after recovering from a stress fracture on his shin.

“I’m a strong character, a strong person and it’s water off a duck’s back.

“I’m well aware of the North East rivalry and I knew what this move would mean. I knew there would be people who resented me coming and it did cross my mind that there would be some people who didn’t want me here. But, after I spoke to the manager, that was

it. My mind was made up straight away. I’ve had to be mentally strong all my career. I’ve had criticism all my career and I’ve taken it and bounced back. It doesn’t bother me. It’s up to me to prove myself at Sunderland.

“People will have their opinions and, if they are negative, it is up to me to change them with performances on the pitch. I will show them I’m Sunderland through and through now.”