Source: Team_Talk
Coyle sees big future for Cats boss
Bruce's summer appointment at the Stadium of Light, and the significant funds he has since spent, have encouraged hopes on Wearside that Sunderland can make significant progress this season.
They flirted with relegation last term but Coyle, whose side host Sunderland at Turf Moor on Saturday lunchtime, believes big-spending Bruce will make the Black Cats a force in the Premier League.
Coyle said: "Steve Bruce is becoming a better manager year after year.
"He had to cope with financial restraints during his time at Birmingham and Wigan, but at Sunderland he's had the backing to spend some cash and it looks as if he's invested it very wisely.
"He's signed some top players and there is no doubt that Sunderland, under his guidance, will be onwards and upwards.
"On top of that, there is always a clamour for good English managers.
"As he continues on that road, then further down the line Steve would be a genuine contender to be an England manager.
"The Manchester United job would probably be a dream come true for him and he's certainly going along the right steps, isn't he?
"Steve is not only a fantastic manager, he's a top man as well and is the sort of person you like to see do well."
Coyle's own stock has risen immeasurably in recent months after he guided Burnley into the top flight on a shoestring budget and with a small, tight-knit squad.
Few managers can match Coyle's energy, drive and ambition and the Clarets host Sunderland seeking to record their third successive home victory since winning promotion in May.
Coyle's men famously won their opening two matches at Turf Moor 1-0 against Manchester United and Everton respectively.
However, they go into the Sunderland game on the back of successive thumpings at the hands of Chelsea and Liverpool.
Coyle said: "We got bitten on the bum at Chelsea and Liverpool and I've told the players their reaction has to be better after going 1-0 down.
"How we started the second half at Chelsea and how we then conceded the second goal from a corner at Liverpool was not acceptable.
"There is plenty to work on and improve but they are such an honest group of players who are always looking to get better.
"This is a home match against Sunderland, live on television, so let's go out and show people the qualities of this football club and indeed the whole town."
Coyle will again look to keep any changes to a bare minimum, adding: "The players have been outstanding and they are certainly due my loyalty.
"Not many teams will go to Chelsea and Liverpool and pick up points.
"It's important that people strike the balance between realism and expectation.
"Realistically, we should be nowhere in the league because of the finance involved.
"In terms of salaries, squad size and overall expenditure, we've probably got half of what our nearest competitor in the Premier League has.
"That tells you about the imbalance of the situation, but we also know that despite that imbalance we can win games and retain our Premier League status.
"All the great analysts out there think Burnley are going to go down, but that's up to them.
"What we know within our group, and our town, is that if we are at our best as we have been before, then we can win points and we'll do our utmost to make sure we stay in the top flight of English football."
Sunderland 6/4, Burnley 7/4, Draw 12/5
