Sunderland’s Academy Impresses New Manager Steve Bruce

Sunderland's future is bright, according to Steve Bruce, who has praised the next generation coming through at the club, hinting that some academy players could soon be included in his first team squad.

Bruce has a war-chest to use on new players, but that may not be needed too much if the Black Cats' youngsters are as good as he claims.

The Sunderland boss told The Northern Echo, "I can understand now why they won their league so easily last season, they’re a good crop. I was really impressed with them all against Darlington.

“I thought Jordan [Henderson] did very well and [Martyn] Waghorn was impressive when he came on, they all acquitted themselves very well.

"They’ve given me food for thought about maybe going into the first team.

“I always believe that if you can bring a kid through there’s nothing quite like it and I think the supporters enjoy seeing that too. It can only bode well for the future.”

Bruce is waiting on a decision from Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, but the only calls he seems to have received have been for the youngsters.

"I’ve had more phone calls from other managers wanting to take the young boys than about anybody else, and that’s testament to the Academy and Ged McNamee,” revealed Bruce.

Meanwhile, the first team players are already benefiting from the rigors of pre-season training, particularly Andy Reid.

Bruce said, “We’ve been back a week and they are working extremely hard. It’s obviously been different for them, it’s hard work, but it’s pre-season so it’s going to be hard.

“Andy Reid has lost eight kilos and worked extremely hard, and fair play to him. Nobody on our side has done that for him, he’s done it himself, and if he can continue like that he’ll do well.”

John Silk, Goal.com

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