Bardsley backing for Bruce

Published May. 20, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Black Cats have endured a disappointing end to the season after looking like they may qualify for the Europa League earlier this term. However, a wretched run of injuries at the club coincided with a poor series of results that saw them tumble down the table. Yet, despite the poor end to the season, the Sunderland Player of the Year wants the American owner to stay loyal to Bruce. "The manager has had some stick but he has done a great job," said Bardsley. "He is the perfect manager. He has bundles of respect for the players and the players respect him for what he has done in the game. "The last few months have been difficult and have not worked out as we would have wanted or planned, but he has dug in and made sure the players have done the same."