Source: Northern_Echo
Black Cats backed to challenge top seven
STEVE BRUCE can lead Sunderland into Europe next season according to his former defensive partner Gary Pallister.[LNB] The ex-Manchester United and Middlesbrough centrehalf, who played alongside Bruce at Old Trafford for five seasons believes the Wearsiders will be capable of challenging for a top seven finish in the Premier League next season.[LNB] But, before Bruce starts looking forward to a season of unbridled success, Pallister warned his close friend to prepare for a rough ride when Sunderland line up against their North-East rivals.[LNB] Newcastle's season spent in the Championship allowed boyhood Magpies fan Bruce to settle in at the Stadium of Light without having to lead his team out in front of a hostile St James' Park crowd.[LNB] But Newcastle's return to the top flight will pit Bruce against his former favourites and Pallister expects the Newcastle fans will be preparing a special welcome for the manager some regard as a Tyneside turncoat.[LNB] I must admit I was surprised to see a proud Geordie taking over the Mackems,[LNB] noted Pallister whose two spells with Boro offered him a ringside view of North-East footballing rivalry.[LNB] It felt strange, especially when he'd been linked with the Newcastle job in the past.[LNB] But Brucey wanted a job where he felt he could express himself a bit more and Sunderland have given him that opportunity.[LNB] He has a great working relationship with Niall Quinn.[LNB] They enjoyed a few battles in their playing days but they are in complete harmony at Sunderland. The owner doesn't interfere on a day to day basis and lets Niall and Brucey handle the playing side of things how they see fit.[LNB] Everything is in place for Sunderland to go on to bigger an better things.[LNB] He is doing well and we are still very good friends so I'm delighted for him even though he is in charge of one of Middlesbrough's local rivals.[LNB] The whole Geordie on Wearside thing will go up a notch next season with Newcastle back in the Premier League. He will have to lead his team out at St James' Park. That will be interesting and I don't doubt the Newcastle fans will give him a bit of stick. That's the way football is.[LNB] I played against Middlesbrough for Man United and it's hard to go back and try to beat a club where you stood on the terraces as a boy. You have to be professional and do your utmost to beat them.[LNB] After securing the services of Paraguay international midfielder Cristian Riveros, Bruce will further strengthen his squad this summer as he gears up to challenge for Europa League qualification.[LNB] Pallister backed Bruce to achieve his target. He said: I think he will be pleased overall with how his first season has gone. Last year they escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth and this year they've finished pretty comfortably in mid table.[LNB] I'd have thought they would be happy with that. But the big test for Brucey comes next season and the one after.[LNB] There was talk of the club breaking in to the top ten this season and they've gone close.[LNB] This summer is a tough one because he is looking to bring in maybe three or four players to push them onto the European places. That is very hard.[LNB] Sunderland have a decent squad and to improve on it you are going to have to prize some very good players away from their clubs.[LNB] You do that by either spending big on wages and fees or luring them with the prospect of challenging for trophies and Europe. If they can break into the top seven next season that would be a massive achievement.[LNB] With the potential resources they will have through their owner they can be competitive in the transfer market.[LNB] They don't have to lose players so Steve can build a strong squad. I expect him to be busy in the transfer market and I expect next season to see Sunderland challenging for the European places.[LNB]
