Steve Bruce Extends Stay with Sunderland Until 2014

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has signed a new contract set to keep him in charge of the Black Cats until 2014.

Since leaving Wigan Athletic for the Northeast in 2009, Bruce has enjoyed some success at the Stadium of Light. After posting a 13th-placed finish last season, Bruce has his team playing some good football that has seen them contending for a top-half finish for the first time in a decade.

Steve Bruce summed up his feelings on the contract extension by saying, "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. It's a magnificent club from top to bottom, with wonderful support and everything is in place here for a manager."

"We have the makings of a fantastic young team. It's been a great challenge so far but one that my backroom team and I have relished, so we're looking forward to continuing with that over the next few years."

Chairman of Sunderland, Niall Quinn, added, "It was hugely important to bring stability to this football club and I firmly believe that, in Steve, we have the man to do just that. In only 18 months, he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players, many of whom are young and desperate to achieve and improve."

"He embodies the ethos of teamwork and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff. He has already raised the aspirations of, not only the players, but also the supporters and instilled a belief in everyone that we can go on to achieve the sustained success that we all crave."