Source: Northern_Echo
Richardson happy to carry on regardless
SUNDERLANDS Kieran Richardson has denied he is set to quit the club this summer, insisting he is happy to continue playing at left-back next season.[LNB] Reports suggested the 25-year-old was considering his future on Wearside after becoming frustrated by Steve Bruces insistence on playing him as a full-back rather than in his preferred attacking midfield role.Failure to land Wigan Athletics Maynor Figueroa in the last transfer window and the alarming loss in form suffered by first choice left-back George McCartney prompted Bruce to convert Richardson into a makeshift defender.[LNB] The temporary switch has become a regular slot for the Manchester United Academy product, who has made no secret he feels his game is best suited to supporting the Black Cats attack.[LNB] With only a year left on his current deal Richardson has been linked with a summer move, with West Brom, Fulham and Birmingham City monitoring the situation.[LNB] "I'm enjoying my football, really enjoying it, claimed Richardson. Over the last eight weeks Ive found good form there and I've been happy with myself and the way Ive been playing there. Well see what happens there. Ill go away, keep myself in decent shape and come back from pre-season and crack on from there. Will I come back being a left-back in my own head If thats what the gaffer wants, I'm honestly happy to do that."[LNB] Richardson's relationship with Bruce dates from the Londoner's spell in the Man United youth team when he became firm friends with the managers son Alex. But he is under no illusions he can expect any favours when it comes to guaranteeing his place at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] "When a new manager comes in you do have to prove yourself. Steve Bruce didn't buy me so you have to try that bit harder. I know that, he admitted. I knew him from before but you've got to prove yourself. Anywhere on the pitch I'm happy to play football and if the manager rates you in a certain position then you cant take that lightly.[LNB] "It's difficult to get in our team with the quality of players we've got so I'll just play wherever the manager wants me to."[LNB] Phil Bardsley is keen to speak to West Brom over a proposed move from Sunderland. The right-back has been told he can leave Wearside after Steve Bruce confirmed he wants to agree a permanent move for Spurs full-back Alan Hutton.[LNB]
