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Black Cats boss Bruce sacked

Comment: 0 December 1st, 2011 by: admin

STEVE Bruce beat Andre Villas-Boas as to who would become the first Premier League manager to be fired this season.

Sunderland announced on Wednesday that they had parted ways with Bruce who will leave with the north-east club struggling and just two points above the drop zone.

The fate of the 50-year-old Bruce headed to doom after Wigan’s victory at the Stadium of Light on Saturday sparked fans protest, leading team owner Ellis Short to sack the former Manchester United player.

Among those highly-considered to take over from Bruce are former Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill and Mark Hughes, who is out of job since quitting Fulham in June.

Bruce joined Sunderland from Wigan Athletic in 2009. He steered the Black Cats to 13^th place in his first season in charge and improved that to 10^th spot in the 2010-11.

Short, who took over the club last May and became chairman only last month, said it was the right time to make a change. “Sadly, results this season have simply not been good enough.’’

The American businessman added it is his job to act in the best interests of the football club at all times “I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly.’’

But he also paid tribute to Bruce whom he said “has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is a testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland.’’

Short added assistant manager Eric Black would take charge of first team duties while the search for a new manager is ongoing.

“I would like to personally place on record my thanks to Steve for his significant contribution to our football club,’’ said Short. “I would also like to thank our fans, who have endured a trying start this season.’’

Villas-Boas has also been under pressure as of late because of Chelsea’s lethargic performance.

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