Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce backs efforts to give England a sporting chance
SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce has weighed in to the debate regarding new limits on Premier League squads that were labelled by Arsene Wenger at the weekend as disastrous for football.[LNB] Bruce refutes Wenger's claims and has thrown his support behind rules designed to encourage the development of home-grown talent that will this season restrict clubs to a squad list of 25 senior players.[LNB] The Sunderland boss admits to being sceptical that the move will prove to be a runaway success but he is willing to back the initiative as a means of supporting the development of English football at grassroots level.[LNB] He shared the frustration of England supporters following the dismal World Cup campaign that sparked a debate over the future direction of the game in this country. Concerns that there is a dearth of potential internationals at youth-team level at all clubs led to grim predictions that unless drastic action is taken there is no prospect of England developing a new generation of stars capable of matching the likes of Spain and Germany.[LNB] Wenger is concerned the squad rule, which was planned long before England's South African debacle exposed the scarcity of emerging talent at Fabio Capello's disposal, will this season leave many experienced players without clubs or trapped in reserve team football. He also believes it will weaken managers' bargaining power in the transfer market as clubs possessing a full 25-man squad will have to jettison players before they can recruit new ones.[LNB] Bruce accepts that may be a problem for Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, but not Sunderland.[LNB] We all have to cut our cloth according to which club we are at, said Bruce. The desired effect is to bring through young English talent and by God we need it! So, for me, if it helps then great. I'm not sure it will because I think we have a society problem now.[LNB] We need more youngsters playing this game. But it's worth a try, so why not[LNB] I don't think we'll have a problem at Sunderland. We've only got 23 players to start with. I understand it's a different scenario for the big clubs but we are victims of the Premier League. It's so strong and attracts the best talent in the world it has stopped the roots of young (English) players from growing through.[LNB] That is not right.[LNB] Bruce is determined to build his squad around a crop of young, home-produced talent and expects Jordan Henderson, Fraizer Campbell, Jack Colback and Martyn Waghorn to play a major part in the club's future.[LNB] He will also look to add Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck to his squad, with talks over a proposed loan deal scheduled to take place this week. However, Sunderland face strong competition from Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers for the England Under-21 international.[LNB] Bruce has also not given up hope of agreeing another year-long deal with Lyon for centre-half John Mensah. A hamstring injury to Anton Ferdinand in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Leicester City has increased pressure on Bruce to strengthen his defensive ranks.[LNB] Sunderland have been one of the main movers during a relatively low-key summer transfer market but Bruce expects a flurry of deals to take place over the next few weeks.[LNB] I would love to bring John Mensah back. We know he has fitness problems but he's one of the best defenders I've ever worked with.[LNB] I'll do everything in my power to bring him back to the club. He had a wonderful World Cup which didn't help our cause. He is worth pursuing because of his talent.[LNB] Last year we did our best business in the last week with Benty and Turner, so there will be more toing and froing to come. We are all jostling for position.[LNB]
