Was Phil Brown the last manager who actually managed rather than coached that we had until now? Paul Duffen changed his own role in the transfer department and shoved Phil out of the office and on to the training ground, from what I recall. Dowie, Pearson and Nick Barmby all seemed comfortable with coaching the side rather than the higher management aspect. Steve Bruce does not have a director of football looking over his shoulder and on another thread it seems that he does not do coaching. I believe that this is advantageous to the type of club that we aim to become. When asked about Paul McShane didn't SB find it hard to remember him? There will be a different air around the training ground when the squad comes back in. I do hope that it works for us.
So did we sign him on loan when Keane or Sbargia was there? And didnt Macca return to Sunlan for a bit due to injuries and he had a mare before we resigned him as part of the Turner deal? That's how I seem to recall it and if so, Bruce mustve played him surely?
Sbragia was in charge when we signed him and it was him who recalled him, but having taken over during the summer, Bruce didn't play him at all the next season.
Hopefully he can be again when sunderland want mcShambles back after a storming Euro 2012 performance against the world champions on thursday! Or not
Steve Bruce was a proper old fashioned type of manager(in his early days) who did it all long before the days of Director of Football and CEO became the in-vogue. Managers should manage and Coaches coach. I like the idea of going back to the future in a way.
Steve Wigley and possibly SB old No.2 Eric Black(if he comes). Sunderlands press suggest that Bruce also could well go for Keith Bertchin as well. IMO, its important that we keep Wigley as the lads like him alot and that should help with a smooth transition when they return for pre-season.
