Bruce disappointed not to get more time

Steve Bruce spoke out for the first time since his sacking as Sunderland boss today, admitting that he was disappointed not to get more time.

Ellis Short ended the former Manchester United centre-back's time in charge at the end of November after two years in charge.

Since then the Black Cats have motored up the Premier League table under Martin O'Neill and occupied a top-half position until a narrow 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Bruce said it was 'only a matter of time' before his side started moving in the right direction:

'It is unfortunate the way it went and I am disappointed we didn't get a bit longer, but all managers are going to say that I suppose.'

Bruce, who oversaw two wins from 13 league games this season, pointed to the volume of changes made to the playing staff over the summer:

'With changes you need time, and unfortunately it didn't go our way and the crowd got impatient and we know the way football is, that is the disappointing thing.'

Changes however that were only ever made because the previous season had seen the core of the side built around loanees who soon returned to their parent clubs.

The former Palace, Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Birmingham and Wigan boss finished by wishing his replacement O'Neill all the best.

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