Bruce reacts to Bent departureManager Steve Bruce delivered a
strong message to Sunderland fans in the wake of Darren Bent's departure.
But Bruce says the club will move on and has reiterated his desire to continue to piece together a strong squad to help the club move onwards and upwards following the sale of the striker, who cost £10m in summer 2009.
England international Bent joined Aston Villa for a club record fee earlier today, with Bruce admitting that everyone associated with the club is right to feel "massively let down".
The striker handed in a written request for a move after the 1-1 draw to Newcastle having "not been himself" in training during recent weeks.
But Bruce remains focused on Sunderland's progress despite being shocked by the frontman's transfer demand.
Bruce told safc.com: "It's hugely disappointing that Darren has decided that his future lies away from Sunderland and the players, our supporters and the club as a whole have every right to feel massively let down.
"The timing is especially hard to take, given that we are progressing positively and are in a great position to push on.
"Everyone has been nothing but supportive of Darren in his time at Sunderland but
it's obvious he's not been himself in training and we've certainly not seen the best of him in games in recent weeks - and we now understand why."I've always stated that my aim is to build a talented, young squad for the long-term to help the club achieve sustained success and I want Sunderland fans to know that our ambitions haven't changed on that front."
http://www.safc.com/news/20110118/bruce-reacts-to-bent-departure-_2256213_2270183
