Bruce: Fans Know Turner Is Vital

When Bruce started to sign central defender after centre half in the Summer many fans questioned his managerial knowledge.

However, the signings he made is the reason we have a chance to continue our league form after losing Bramble and Turner until at least mid January.

As soon as Turner missed the game against Wolves on Saturday we could all see that he is a massive loss to our defensive options. Sunderland had kept six clean sheets, only Chelsea and Man City could better this record and Turner was the main reason for this stat.


Bruce told the Sunderland echo: "Losing Michael is something which has hit us hard in the past and the challenge for us this time is to make sure that it doesn`t prove quite as much of a problem for us this season as it did last season.

"I know one thing for sure and that`s how much of a miss he`s going to be.

"I could be completely wrong, but sometimes I get the impression that our fans don`t really rate Michael at times.

"If there`s a pass goes astray or doesn`t find its man, they seem more displeased with him than other players.

"But I hope I am wrong in thinking that, because he`s an excellent defender.

"Anyone who doesn`t appreciate what he brings to the team, could well realise just what they`ve lost when it`s gone.

"He`s big, strong, brave and powerful. He`s good for us aerially, he`s brave and never shirks a challenge.

"He might not be what you`d call a "silky" player but what a competitor he is and what a good defender."

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