Source: SKY_Sports
Hard work ahead for Bruce
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Steve Bruce is refusing to get caught up in the hype surrounding Sunderland's impressive progress this season.[LNB] The Black Cats can boast a healthy tally of 17 points from their 11 Premier League fixtures so far, seeing them comfortably into the top half of the table.[LNB]A number of eye-catching displays have drawn widespread acclaim, while a battling 2-2 draw with West Ham on Saturday showcased their new-found resilience.[LNB]Bruce admits he is pleased at the way the 2009/10 campaign is shaping up for his side, but has warned that there is a long way to go before the club can claim to have achieved their goals.[LNB]"The campaign is a long one and it's not just going to happen where we turn ourselves into European contenders overnight - this club has only been two years out of the Championship," Bruce told the club's official website.[LNB]"There's still a lot of work and a lot of improvement to do until we get to a point where we can say it's a blip if we play poorly.[LNB]Platform"We have got to look at it this way - can we do the same over the next 11 games? Can we pick up another 17 points?[LNB]"If we do that, we will have a decent platform for a decent season."[LNB]Bruce is also aware that the foundations for a successful season are often built on home soil, and he has called upon his Black Cats to ensure that the Stadium of Light remains a fortress this term.[LNB]He said: "The most important thing is doing it in front of our own fans, and that's what we knew we needed to do this year.[LNB]"People were telling me the best performances last season were away from home, but now I think the fans have realised there's been an improvement and they can understand and enjoy what we are trying to do on the pitch.[LNB]"The players deserve a pat on the back because we have lost once - against Chelsea - and that's a decent return."[LNB]
