15 Biggest Sunderland Villains

4. Steve Bruce

Let's start by clearing a few things up: Steve Bruce did well at Sunderland, but not considering the talent he had at his disposal. Bruce failed to use Bent, Gyan, Welbeck, Henderson and Malbranque to the best of their abilities, and despite bright flashes, Bruce sent the team on two horrifying winless streaks in each full season in charge. Tensions boiled over at the end of his reign, based on football reasons, though that's not how he recalls the events. Since leaving Sunderland, Bruce has alluded to his 'geordie roots' being the cause of personal abuse at the Stadium of Light at every available opportunity when it was simply not the case. His bitter rants have struck a nerve with Sunderland fans, and Hull's recent good record against Sunderland has only heightened the tension every time he rolls back into town.