The FA cup's been a huge distraction for us in recent weeks and our form has dropped incredibly. Ironically, a major factor in your survival has been the goals of a Steve Bruce signing. The amount of times I have read and heard stick coming from Sunderland fans about both Bruce and Wickham is remarkable. Surely you can't argue that you're a better team without Bruce as gaffer?
No ones underestimating the difficulty of Europe, and Swansea are the perfect example. They've had a difficult season but being in Europe allowed them to attract a higher quality of player i.e Bony. And although they've had a pretty average season, I have no doubt that they'll be stronger for it next year. The balance is between staying in the Premier League and being competitive in Europe
and it is one that Bruce will no doubt relish. Hopefully it'll help us attract better players and if we can manage to avoid relegation by the skin of our teeth, then I have no doubt that it will help us to become an established Premier League side.