Steve Bruce's parents on why he will be a hit

Jun 7 2009 by David Old, Sunday Sun

THEY brought him up to be black and white, but Steve Bruce’s parents say he will have no problem convincing Sunderland he means business.

Raised on the banks of the Tyne, the new Sunderland manager has made no secret of his boyhood love-affair with Newcastle United.

But his parents Joe and Sheenagh have no doubt he will be a hit at the Stadium of Light.

From their home in Walkergate, Newcastle, Magpies fan Joe admitted he had been surprised Steve had chosen to join the Black Cats, but he said: “He’ll be 100 per cent committed.

“He’s always been the same wherever he has been.

“I suppose I was a bit surprised, but having said that I would go and watch Sunderland when Newcastle were playing away. I like to see all the North East teams doing well.

“When I was young there was always a rivalry but now it’s a bit like tribal warfare.

“I don’t think he’ll have too many problems being accepted by the fans, maybe the younger ones, but I think the older ones will get behind him.”

Steve took over the reigns at Sunderland this week, joining a growing list of Geordies who have taken on the role.

He played for Benfield School, in Walkergate, and North Tyneside’s Wallsend Boys Club, a legendary breeding ground for stars such as Peter Beardsley and current Toon boss Alan Shearer.

But while Bob Stokoe, Alan Brown and Mick Buxton were brought up in the Corbridge area, Steve’s parents were quick to point out Steve has always been a Tynesider.

Joe said: “He was born in a maternity ward in Corbridge, but only because the Newcastle hospitals were all full. “He spent a couple of days there before we brought him back to Newcastle. We were living in the West End, but moved to Walkergate and that’s where he grew up.”

Steve has reminisced about sneaking in to the ground to watch his boyhood idols when he was a lad.

And Joe has fond memories of taking Steve to St James’s Park when the emerging football star was not playing.