Steve Bruce Speaks To ESPN About United Trio And DJ Campbell

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/932366/steve-bruce:-we're-inches-away-from-brown/o'shea-deals?cc=5739

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has returned from his family holiday in Portugal to confirm to ESPNsoccernet that the club are closing in on Manchester United duo Wes Brown and John O'Shea.

With defence Bruce's priority this summer, Sunderland have made moves to sign the experienced duo, while also attempting to add Darren Gibson to the squad to replace Jordan Henderson, who left to join Liverpool in a £20 million deal earlier this summer.

Bruce told ESPNsoccernet: "Yes, it looks good, we are very close, Wes is travelling up for talks and we hope to also speak with O'Shea. I would say we are inches away."

However, Bruce is not optimistic about landing the third player from his old club, as Gibson is not so sure about moving on from Old Trafford; although the manager is keeping tabs on Blackpool striker DJ Campbell.

 

think we will get o'shea but i reakon gibson has bottled it because he thinks gardner will be ahead of him, and if thats the case were better off without him.

 

I work in Manchester and know many Man U fans where I am yet to come across any who has a good word - mention game passes him by, passing is suspect, not the strongest tackler and ratio of long shots on target is poor. Not seen enough to form my own opinion but lads at work have said him not coming to us is not the worst thing........that said if we do buy him for £5m a couple have said they'll get me a pint in so not all bad news.

 

It was brown I wasnt sure about, however, if he comes he will get my 100% support.

Think O'shea will be a goodun for his versatility and experience. Would even consider him for the captaincy. He's played under SAF for long enough so will have that winning mentality which we sadly lacked last season.

 

i'd be well happy with o'shea, brown is a bonus

 

A Brucie Bonus!!

 

Ive said before and will say it again, think both will be excellent acquisitions for us

 

Good spot Where......

 

nice to hear you, to hear you .....

 

Sorry...It was Dorset!!!!

 

I think we will get both, Brown will replace Mensha on the treatment table, but he will be a good back up for Turner and Bramble. Oshea will be an excellent signing and I expect him to cover Lb and Rb as well as Cb.

Gibson will not come now, in some ways this is good because it means Colback should get his chance.

Bruce is keeping tabs on Campbell in case the Defoe transfer does not come off.

 

Thought you didn't get anything for a pair - not in this game.

I'll get me coat.

Lol Bart

 

last 2 years combined for gibson

Games started 26
Games used as Sub 20
Shots at Goal 80
Shots on target 30
Goals 8
Assists 6

 

IMO our problem has been over the last couple of season's when we are away at places like Wolves, Stoke and they pile the pressure on, lump balls into the box and try and physically outmuscle us we dont realy have any experienced heads to take the pressure away and get us the result in the end.

O'Shea and Brown will be good aditions if they come off to our young squad, I have said before and will again if Brown doesn't come then I won't lose anysleep but if he can stay fit then we will have a canny defender on our hands.

 

blackcatsteve out of interest what was Gardner's stats in the same period?!

 

Looking forward to you saying it again. When will that be?
ps I Agree on their Qualities.

 

gardners stats for the last 2 years combined

Games started 41
Games used as Sub 13
Shots at Goal 102
Shots on target 28
Goals 11
Assists 1

 

Better option than Anton and cheaper