• Premier League

Bruce hits out at departed Bent

ESPN staff
January 19, 2011
Steve Bruce felt Sunderland did not see the best of Darren Bent in the weeks before his move © PA Photos
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Steve Bruce has taken a parting shot at Darren Bent, with the Sunderland manager admitting to feeling let down by the striker.

Bent sealed a big-money move to Aston Villa on Tuesday, just a couple of days after handing in a transfer request. Sunderland were shocked by Bent's move and are now scrambling for a replacement in January and Bruce has left people in no doubt about his feelings for the England international.

"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 has every right to feel massively let down," Bruce told the club's official website. "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 now we 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 our ambitions haven't changed on that front."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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