Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Bruce explains Collins transfer

09 Sep 2009 - 13:16:02

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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has admitted that he had mixed feelings about allowing defender Danny Collins to join Stoke City on transfer deadline day.

The 29-year-old was sold for an initial fee of £2.75million, with Bruce having expected to complete the signing of a ready-made replacement, thought to be Wigan's Maynor Figueroa.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "I can understand why people were surprised about Danny moving on, because he was a popular player here, the fans liked him for his willingness to put his foot in for the cause.

"I also know he offers genuine cover at left-back, which is an area highlighted because of the injury to George McCartney.

"But, as it happens, I thought we were getting a left-back in on deadline day - the deal was practically done, but at the very last minute it didn't come off.

"Then I had to consider the fact Stoke were still interested in Danny.

"I had allowed him to speak to them, he was down there in talks and I thought the offer was too good to turn down for a player approaching 30."