Bruce is happy to follow cup rival’s example

Oct 25 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

SUNDERLAND supremo Ellis Short is following Aston Villa’s blueprint for success – and Black Cats boss Steve Bruce wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Wearsiders’ Texan owner Short has adopted the same low-profile strategy as his Villa counterpart Randy Lerner, concentrating on providing financial muscle in the transfer market while leaving football matters in the hands of his manager.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill responded by lifting the Midlanders from the lower reaches of the Premier League to mid-table in his first season in charge, and then leading the club to a sixth-place finish and European qualification last season.

And Bruce is aiming to repay Short in a similar way for his backing.

“The owner here backs me and my judgment and lets me get on with my job, which is all you can ask for as a manager,” said Bruce, whose side take on Villa in the fifth round of the Carling Cup at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

“I hope I can repay him. We can model ourselves on Aston Villa, because they are run in just the same way.