Midfield ace hails Bruce's influence

Andy Reid claims Sunderland have been given 'more direction and purpose' since Steve Bruce took over as manager in the summer.

The Republic of Ireland international midfielder has been delighted with the Black Cats' start to the season in which they have picked up 12 points from seven games to sit alongside Arsenal and Aston Villa, albeit having played a game more. And, while Reid admits the vast amount of money made available for transfers by owner Ellis Short has had a huge impact, he is in no doubt that Bruce's appointment has been the integral factor in their good early season form.
He told the Journal: "We are a team with more direction and purpose than last year and the manager has a lot to do with that.
"Everybody knows their jobs and as a team we know what we're doing. That, coupled with the mentality of the lads who've responded well to the new manager has come together to give us a decent start.
"But we can't get carried away, it's only seven games into the season. Get carried away and you start losing - we've done that in the past."