Former Huddersfield Town hitman backs Bruce for Sunderland role

Jun 3 2009 By Examiner

FORMER Huddersfield Town striker Martin Smith has backed his old boss Steve Bruce to do the job at Sunderland.

Smith worked under Bruce at Town when the club was in the Championship, and says that not only is the Tynesider an excellent man-manager, but also a dedicated and ambitious boss.

He said: "I've played under him, and found him excellent to work with.

"He was very good at getting on with the players, but at the same he was respected because of what he'd achieved in the game.

"He's a nice fella and he enjoys a good laugh, but he's also very much the boss, and everyone knows there's a line not to cross.

"I found him great for me, because he was very good at building my confidence up and getting me just to go out there and play my own game.

"He made sure he took the pressure off, and that helped bring the best out of me."