Bruce defiant despite Wigan loss

Steve Bruce insists he will not walk away from Sunderland after a demoralising 2-1 home defeat by Wigan.

The 50-year-old Geordie was subjected to chants for him to go after Franco di Santo fired the Latics to victory at the Stadium of Light in front of chairman Ellis Short. Short had earlier written in his programme notes there was no need for panic after a difficult start to the season, which has now seen the Black Cats win just two of their last 15 league games at the Stadium of Light.

But his manager was left in little doubt as to the feelings of an increasing proportion of the club's own fans and, asked if he had considered his position, a defiant Bruce said: "No, not at all. I have never given up on anything, certainly not in football anyway."

He added: "Certainly, my intention is not to walk away or quit. That's certainly not in my nature either. There's something in me which says I will try to turn it around.

"We are finding it very, very difficult at the moment. Patience in football doesn't last very long, but as far as my future is concerned, that's up to others.

"Certainly I have got no intention of walking away or trying to quit or anything like that. It's certainly not in my nature.

"In terms of sticking with it and staying at it, I am certainly more determined that ever to see it through because I don't think we are that far away."

Bruce's Tyneside roots remain a source of disquiet for some sections of the Black Cats' fans, and he admitted there is nothing he can do about that.

He said: "It borders on abuse, but I can't help where I was born. When it gets like it is it's disappointing to hear, of course.

"But I am a resilient and I have had stick all my life and come through it, certainly in football anyway."