Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce splits up his squad
SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce will split his first-team squad between this evening's testimonial match at Hartlepool and tomorrow's friendly with Darlington.[LNB] The Black Cats boss had originally intended to send a first-team squad to Victoria Park for Ritchie Humphreys' testimonial and a reserves side to The Northern Echo Arena.[LNB] However, in an attempt to provide his senior players with as much match time as possible, he will now split his resources more evenly between the two matches.[LNB] Tonight's game at Hartlepool, which celebrates Humphreys' ten years of service at Victoria Park, will feature Phil Bardsley, Wes Brown, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, Ahmed Elmohamady, Anton Ferdinand, Asamoah Gyan, Seb Larsson, Simon Mignolet, Kieran Richardson and Stephane Sessegnon.[LNB] Tomorrow, Titus Bramble, Craig Gardner, Ji Dong-won, Steed Malbranque, Michael Turner, David Vaughan, Keiren Westwood and Connor Wickham will head to Darlington.[LNB] Reserves Trevor Carson, Jordan Cook, Louis Laing, Adam Reed and Oumare Tounkare will be the only players on duty for both games.[LNB] Having back-to-back games gives us the ideal chance to give game time to as many players as possible, said Bruce, whose side will complete their pre-season preparations at Hibernian on Saturday.With the sheer level of competition for places we have now, it's vital players get as many minutes on the pitch as possible and this arrangement allows us to do this.[LNB] Meanwhile, Bruce has paid tribute to Humphreys ahead of tonight's testimonial. More than 6,000 supporters are expected to attend the North-East derby, a turnout that reflects the standing of one of the region's most popular players.[LNB] What Ritchie Humphreys has done with Hartlepool is a fantastic achievement and I'm delighted to be taking a team to be part of it, said Bruce. I'm delighted that the tickets have gone.[LNB] It's quite incredible what he's achieved and, if we can play our part in it, then great for him and great for the North-East. He deserves the bumper crowd I think he's going to get.[LNB] For the lad to do over ten years at Pools is a magnificent achievement. It's a great milestone at any club. We'll be taking down a strong squad and treating the game very seriously.[LNB] * Sunderland have sold their ticket allocation for tonight's game, but supporters can pay on the gate at Victoria Park (£10 for adults, £5 concessions).[LNB] Tickets for tomorrow's game at Darlington can be purchased from the East Stand ticket office at The Northern Echo Arena from 6.30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, and sales are cash only.[LNB]
