Times Sport
Bardsley hails O'Neill effect
8:00am Friday 3rd February 2012
PHIL BARDSLEY has paid tribute to Martin O'Neill for masterminding Sunderland's climb to the top half of the table for the first time this season.
The Black Cats moved to eighth place in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Norwich City, leapfrogging The Canaries in the process, ensuring that O'Neill's nine top-flight games in charge have seen Sunderland go from relegation fodder to a top-half side in little under two months.
Bardsley has played under four managers at the Stadium of Light, and is impressed with what the Northern Irishman has brought to the table in the wake of Steve Bruce's departure in November.
"We're in eighth place and we're determined to carry the run on," said the right-back.
"We want to go all the way and finish as high as possible. It feels like we're making up for a bit of lost time at the start of the season. Steve Bruce probably said himself that things didn't go the way we wanted.
"The new manager's come in and everybody's playing for their place and showing what they're all about. We've got to keep doing that and keep getting the results.
"The manager's changed things around with simple things. It's been so simple. He says things to you and you think about it and you think "oh yeah, that's right". It's not massive things, it's just his presence and the things he says. he's a great person to learn from."
Sunderland did not sign a striker in the transfer window, but the return to fitness of Fraizer Campbell, who suffered a knee injury 15 months ago, has had the effect of a new signing on Wearside.
The former Manchester United man scored a sublime volley on Wednesday night and set up Sunderland's second with a cross for Stephane Sessegnon.
And Bardsley, who has known Campbell since his days at Old Trafford, said: "He's been a breath of fresh air. What he brings to the party is a great work ethic. I've known him for a long time and he's never changed a bit despite the problems he's had off the pitch with his injuries.
"He's always had a smile on his face and been determined to get back. He's always wanted to show people the Fraizer Campbell he was before he got injured. By god he's doing that.
"He's been absolutely brilliant for us. There was never a moment when he doubted if he'd be back, never ever. He was so determined to get back.
"The manager's bedded him in since he returned to training just before Christmas and he's been involved in squads and he's been sat in the stands for a few games. I had a little word with him to say they're just bedding you in, be a little patient.
"He's done that and by god he's come on and played fantastically.
"I've never seen him hit a volley or a shot form outside the box to be honest. I was a bit surprised but he's been to a proper academy, hasn't he?"
Wayne Bridge made an eight-minute cameo on Wednesday night, while fellow new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos watched on from the stands.
O'Neill has been forced to dip into the transfer market owing to injuries to Wes Brown - who is out for eight weeks with a knee injury - David Vaughan and Lee Cattermole.
Bardsley praised the character of the new players that have come in, saying: "We were light on numbers with the injuries we've got. The manager's brought a couple of lads in who're good lads as well, that's vitally important.
"We've got a great group of players who work hard for each other. It's right that he's brought the right players in who can gel with the squad.
"Kyrgiakos has played for Liverpool and Bridge has been at Chelsea and Man City. He's had a good career with England as well and he's a good lad. I've known him from being around - he's a level-headed lad and he just wants to play football. I'm sure he'll find this a great place to be."
Sunderland go to Stoke tomorrow, in one of O'Neill's sternest tests thus far. The Black Cats have won just one in six visits to the Britannia Stadium, but Bardsley is optimistic that the visitors can come away with something from the Potteries.
"There's confidence right throughout the team at the moment. We started the game well and we knew it was going to be tough. Norwich have had a good season and they were a couple of points above us at the start of the game. we knew if we won we could go above them.
"It's a tough place to go. I think the lads have packed their crash helmets and it should be fun."
Both North-East Premier League teams are in the top half of the table now, and with the Tyne-Wear derby less than a month away, fans of both clubs are looking forward to the day.
But Bardsley said: "We can't get carried away with this whole Newcastle thing. We just have to keep winning our games like we have been doing. Wherever we are on the last day of the season, hopefully we'll be there or thereabouts."