Some fans won't forgive me for derby drubbing

Jan 16 2011 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

STEVE BRUCE accepts some Sunderland fans will never forgive him for Sunderland’s 5-1 derby humiliation last October.

The Black Cats boss leads his side into battle against Newcastle this afternoon knowing defeat at St James’ Park can be avenged but not forgotten.

The former Manchester United star is in good company, however – for all the silverware he has won, Bruce’s old boss Sir Alex Ferguson has still never lived down the Red Devils’ 5-1 defeat at rivals Manchester City back in 1989!

Bruce said: “I get sick when I think about that defeat three months ago, but I will have to live with it forever more I would have thought.

“In some Sunderland supporters’ eyes, they will never forgive me for being beaten 5-1 by Newcastle.

“After being here I can understand that.

“I suppose it is a bit like Sir Alex losing 5-1 to Manchester City.

“For all the great things he has done, the fans still remind him and yet it was 20-odd years ago!

“From our point of view, the most important thing was the response, and thankfully in the 12 league games we have had since then we have done remarkably well.

“We have had some great results – to win at Chelsea, to win at Villa and to play the way we have played is testament to the fact the players rolled up their sleeves and did something about it.

“As I said, in some people’s eyes I will never be forgiven. I can understand that.