Niall Quinn has described Steve Bruce as the ‘perfect fit’ for Sunderland and the latest boss at The Stadium of Light quickly dismissed suggestions that his Newcastle background will be held against him.
Sunderland confirmed the appointment of Bruce following the conclusion of negotiations regarding his backroom staff on Wearside and the man who left Wigan Athletic was presented to the press on Wednesday night.
The likes of Martin Jol, Roberto Mancini and Louis van Gaal had all been linked with the position but, with a perception that some Sunderland players have not been pulling their weight, Quinn felt Bruce was the ideal choice for The Black Cats.
“You forgive a fellow working hard if his passing goes astray or if he misses an open goal, but what is unforgiveable in Steve’s mind is someone shirking their responsibilities and not giving 100 percent,” said Quinn.
“I think every fan will echo what I say. If they see 11 guys giving 100 percent in Sunderland shirts then we are going to have a proper football club here and I think Steve epitomises that.
“He was top of the list, with some very good candidates. But from what I’ve recognised in the last few years and what we need in our dressing room, I think Steve is the perfect fit.”
Bruce was a boyhood Newcastle fan but is not anticipating a frosty reception from his new supporters despite his link to their great rivals.
Instead, the former Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United manager is drawing inspiration from Bob Stokoe who, despite being a Newcastle man himself, led Sunderland to FA Cup glory in 1973.
“I think the North East people like one of their own from the North East, simple as that,” said Bruce. “It is all results on the pitch which ultimately matters.
“I hope I can win over the few doubters that I have out there, the vast majority I have only seen stuff that is positive. I’m delighted to be back in the North East, it has been a long time, I have been gone nearly 30 years.
“I think after reading a chapter of his book he [Stokoe] had a problem with the dressing room, nothing else. I hope that I don’t have any problems with the dressing room that is for sure.
“I look forward to working with everyone concerned. You are right, Bob Stokoe was the local hero here.
“I’ve just my photo taken with his statue. He was the last one to bring a bit of success here so let’s hope that he can rub off on me.
“I’ve worked 10, 11 years in management for a chance and opportunity at a club like this and it is a huge football club. Great fanbase, great support, the training facilities and the stadium; it is all there. It is up to me now to put a football team on the pitch and take the club forward.”
Expectation is growing that Bruce will now be handed a sizeable transfer kitty by owner Ellis Short but Quinn was quick to play down reports that as much as £200 million could be available to the new manager.
“The ownership has been resolved which is great, but there have been some far-fetched newspaper reports plucking figures out of the air,” added the chairman.
“That won’t be true. But what will be true is that if myself and Steve as a partnership prove out intelligence in the transfer market then we will be backed.”