Sunderland’s season never really got started and a mid-table finish will only fuel the determination of boss Steve Bruce to fire his me up for a challenge on the top ten next time around.

Dumped out of the Carling Cup on penalties by Aston Villa and knocked out of the FA Cup by eventual finalists Portsmouth, the league was Sunderland’s only concern for much of the season. The campaign started so well with an opening day win at the Reebok, never an easy place to get anything. Over the next couple of months, Sunderland enjoyed wins over Liverpool and Arsenal and were seconds away from what would have been a famous victory at Old Trafford only for Anton Ferdinand to save his brothers blushes by putting through his own net in injury time.

 

Despite Darren Bent’s heroics in front of goal, a lack of ball hitting net was one reason for Sunderland not progressing further during 2009/10. Bent grabbed 24 league goals but with Kenwyne Jones next in line on 9 and Frazier Campbell third top scorer on only 4, Bruce will be hoping for a greater and more even spread of scoring bonus payments next season. That, combined with a much improved away form, will be the target for 2010/11.

Sunderland only managed two wins away from home all season and with a meagre ten points on the road, but for Bent’s goals the end –of-season scrap may have been closer than it was although the Black Cats did end with a comfortable gap between themselves and the bottom three.

Overall, Chairman Niall Quinn will be pleased that another Premier League season was secured earlier rather than later. For the Sunderland fans, August’s kick off probably can’t come quick enough.