Sunderland boss Steve Bruce delighted with top 10 finish after injury-plagued end to the season

EPL : Steve Bruce , Sunderland and West Ham (Getty Images)

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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has declared his delight at securing at top 10 finish after a 3-0 away victory against relegated West Ham United on the final day of the season.

Goals from soon to be departed Bolo Zenden, Stephane Sessegnon and Cristian Riveros gave the Black Cats their second victory in a row away from home, and pushed them to a top-half finish in the Premier League despite a disappointing second half to the season.

Bruce also saw his side leapfrog local rivals Newcastle United after the Magpies threw away a three-goal lead at St. James Park to draw 3-3 against West Brom, ensuring Sunderland finish North East top dogs again this campaign.

Speaking at the post match press conference, Bruce said: “I’m delighted, we were set up for a good top 10 finish this season and then had a terrible three months.

“However, back-to-back victories away from home, and finishing above Newcastle for three times in a row now is positive, we just need to keep improving.

“If we had our team, if the team had been fully fit, we would’ve been in the top eight or nine for sure.”

Bruce will be relieved to call it time on an injury-ravaged campaign, with a number of key figures such as Lee Cattermole, Titus Bramble and Danny Welbeck all sidelined with long-term knocks.

Whilst the 50-year-old believes his depleted squad was a key factor behind his sides drop from sixth to 14th at one stage, he also admits the excuse has already grown weary amongst the club’s fans.

He continued: “We’ve been badly injured and hampered by the loss of key players. It’s a young team, which unfortunately got ripped apart by injuries.

“The Darren Bent situation did affect us too – we lost our best player. It’s been a difficult last three months, that shows how difficult the North East is. I couldn’t get through to the fans in relation to what was going wrong, they were bored with me and I couldn’t get through.”

The former Wigan boss is also set to take a number of key decisions regarding the loan players on the club’s books, with Danny Welbeck, Nedum Onuoha and John Mensah all due to return to their parent clubs, whilst midfielder Zenden will move to pastures new after growing frustrated with limited first team opportunities.

“In hindsight maybe I should’ve played him Zenden more,” admitted Bruce.

“Until January I didn’t have to play him because we were sat in top six. He wants to play, I understand.

“I’ll sit down with the board. I’ve got to make decisions on Onuoha, Mensah and Welbeck – who I expect to go back to Manchester United.”

Bruce also reserved praise for the travelling Sunderland contingent, whilst also criticising the ticket prices for away fans at Upton Park.

“I’m delighted to get the win for the supporters and the club and those who travelled today. They paid £46, which is just wrong.”