Richardson defends Bruces transfer deals
25 Nov 2009 - 10:57:42
KIERAN RICHARDSON last night defended Steve Bruce's transfer policy after the Sunderland manager was accused of leaving a number of dodgy signings behind him at Wigan.
Since Bruce arrived at the Stadium of Light in June, he has successfully transformed the fortunes of the Black Cats on the pitch after bringing in a raft of new players.
While adding English talent like Darren Bent, Fraizer Campbell, Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner, he also gambled on continental players such as Lorik Cana, Paulo Da Silva, John Mensah and Bolo Zenden.
The four homegrown buys have impressed during the early part of their Sunderland careers, and the foreign quartet have also starred. They were key in the defeat of Arsenal on Saturday 24 hours before Wigan were crushed 9- 1 at Tottenham.
In the aftermath of that result, Latics owner Dave Whelan attempted to apportion part of the blame for the defeat on Bruce by claiming that he could not blame his successor, Roberto Martinez, one iota.
But Richardson, ahead of Bruce's first return to the DW Stadium on Saturday, feels his transfer dealings at the Stadium of Light provide evidence that he has an eye for talent.
I can't really comment on what signings the manager made at Wigan, but what I can say is that the players who have been brought here have all been top class, great players, so all I'm bothered about is Sunderland, said Richardson.
I watch a lot of football around the world and I knew all about John Mensah, Lorik Cana, maybe I didn't know that much about Paulo Da Silva, but he came here as an international captain. They are all quality players and they have all contributed to the team.
Richardson was as surprised as everyone else by Wigan's horror show at White Hart Lane on Sunday, when they conceded eight goals after half-time.
I was at home and I saw a glimpse and I turned to my dad and said did you see that
It was 9-1, said Richardson.
My dad said that's not right, it can't be, it must have been an error, five or something'.
He came back out, it was 9-1 and it was phenomenal.
Sometimes you get those freak results.
Two years ago we lost 7-1 at Everton, it does happen. I have watched Wigan and they are a good side, this latest result is not a fair reflection of them. They have good players, play nice football, they are powerful.
Richardson was back in his preferred midfield role against Arsenal, when he was the link man to nine-goal striker Bent, who is likely to miss this weekend's match.
The injury to Bent could offer an opportunity to David Healy, after Bruce revealed that the Northern Ireland international remains part of his plans.
He is the ultimate pro, I have huge respect for him,
said Bruce. He is part of my squad but he has Darren Bent to contend with. He has a part to play for me here. If Bent goes down, David will get his chance.
Bruce, meanwhile, has offered to contact Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni in a bid to end Andy Reid's international woe.
Trapattoni refuses to select Reid following a bust-up and Bruce said: I hope there can be some sort of compromise.
It's a real shame because his bit of quality against France in the World Cup playoff might have made the difference.
Fears over Bent hamstring SUNDERLAND are anxiously waiting for the results of a scan on Darren Bent's hamstring amid fears he could be out of action for a minimum of three weeks.
The Black Cats' leading scorer, who hit the winner against Arsenal last weekend, has been receiving treatment since he hobbled off in some discomfort after Saturday's game.
And if Sunderland's worst fears are realised Bent could miss the crucial run up to Christmas, when they play five matches.
Manager Steve Bruce is already without Kenwyne Jones for this Saturday's trip to Wigan through suspension and the door would open for Fraizer Campbell, Daryl Murphy and David Healy.
