Bruce safe even if Sunderland go down: Quinn

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been told his job is safe even if the Black Cats are relegated from the Premier League this season.

Bruce’s future at the Stadium of Light has looked uncertain in recent weeks after his team’s dismal run of 14 matches without a win.

They finally ended that barren stretch in midweek with a 4-0 victory over Bolton, but still sit just six points above the relegation zone.

Despite their precarious position, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is convinced Bruce is the right man for the job – whatever their fate at the end of the season.

“If we go down, he’ll still be the manager. I just feel he shares the same passion that the fans have, the owner has, we all have. And he does it in a diligent way. The way he carries himself and projects our club is everything we wanted,” Quinn said.

“We’re trying to make a step up in the toughest league in the world. We know it’s going to take guts and determination and hard work aligned with other stuff like a good transfer policy, getting things right tactically and in terms of motivation.

“There were some tough knock-backs but we think he’s the right man to get this club where we all want it.”