Tyneside-born Bruce is happy his hometown club are back in the top flight, giving Sunderland fans a derby match they missed out on this term. Both Newcastle and Middlesbrough were relegated last term, leaving Sunderland without any local rivals in the big time. While Newcastle have now been promoted, Bruce still hopes Boro could make a late surge for the play-offs as he wants all three North East sides to be together in the Premier League. "The area needs it," Bruce told Sky Sports News. "And I hope Middlesbrough make a charge too and they add to the party. "The North East needs the three big teams in the Premier League." Bruce admits that Sunderland have not progressed as expected this term, but he is looking for improvement to continue next season. "Steadily we think we are better than what we were," he said. "But it is very difficult in the Premier League - it is unforgiving but we are taking our time and going about it in the right way and hopefully we can improve."
