http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/124208.html Gray backs Hughes to replace Bruce ESPN staff December 1, 2011 « Mancini happy for City to be hated | Jon Jones named 2011 Fighter of the Year » Michael Gray feels Mark Hughes will bring passion to Sunderland © PA Photos Enlarge Former Sunderland defender Michael Gray has called on the club to bring in Mark Hughes as the replacement for Steve Bruce. Sunderland chairman Ellis Short took the decision to axe Bruce following a run of form that has left them in a relegation battle. Hughes and former Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill have emerged as the early front-runners for the top job on Wearside, although reports suggest former Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz and current Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman have expressed interest. Short is unlikely to panic in appointing a replacement, but Gray feels the ideal man is currently out of work: former Fulham and Manchester City boss Hughes. "I was with him for four years at Blackburn and I know exactly how he works," Gray, who spent 12 years with Sunderland, told BBC Radio Five Live. "He gets the best out of players. The last 15 minutes of games was when it counted, he had us so fit. And that's what Sunderland are missing at the moment. "He's certainly No. 1 on my list. I'd like to see either him or Martin O'Neill, but my No. 1 candidate is Mark Hughes. "I know he would hit the ground running, getting positive results for Sunderland and moving them into the top half of the Premier League."
Micky has shown himself to be a bit two faced this week. On saturday night on twitter he was saying Bruce should be sacked and Hughes should get the job. On monday on talksport, he's saying Bruce should be given more time and its too soon to sack him. If people like this wont put their opinions on the line to the media, it's little wonder the amount of criticism the Sunderland fans have taken from the press since the weekend. I've lost a lot of respect for the fella
Couldnta agree more, the Talksport interview was an absolute disgrace..he fully backed Bruce to the hilt stating that he needed more time..to me it kinda stunk of an ex player trying to mainatain any favour he still held within the club...but nevertheless I lost a great deal of respect for him after that interview,his backing for Hughes also suggests to me that he hasnt got a clue about whats happening at the club
I have a lot of respect for Micky Gray, and the fact that he enjoyed working under Hughes's management makes me feel a little more comfortable about the prospect of him being appointed...MON is still my first choice though...
Ive got no problem with him making either of the comments I mentioned. I do have an issue about him making both of them to different audiences. Like I said, lost a lot of respect for the bloke.
Mickey I don't live in the ne, or even go to watch the lads Gray eh? Hughes Is his buddy. Not saying Hughes would be a bad appointment but we don't need someone who couldn't give a **** either way putting his oar in either. Gary Bennett I'd listen to. Mickey Gray I won't.
I really dont agree with the above, lots of Sunderland fans have left the area either to better themselves financially or romantically, even the 3 mods on here dont live anywhere near Sunderland, and 2 not even in the country, but you are saying everyone that doesnt live in/around Sunderland, shouldnt be able to have their say on matters, Bullshit.
Aye Steve mate, it's funny how things work out...... Seen most of the world already, but always a Sunderland lad at heart..... Still visit once a year, see how the old place is doing......Home in the new year hopefully..
Nothing to do with locality for me Steve; just think Gray has shown himself to be all over the place witht the Bruce situation via his Twitter feeds and other press statements, and consequently I don't hold much with his opinions on the next manager.
