Bruce, who could succeed Rafa Benitez at St James’s Park, secured 32 signings during his spell on Wearside – with some memorable hits and misses. Scroll down and click through the pages to see all the players signed by Bruce at Sunderland, and what they’re doing now:
25. James McClean
Plucked from his homeland by Bruce, McClean was handed opportunities in the Black Cats' first team but later dropped to the Championship with Wigan. He remains in that division now, plying his trade for Stoke City. Photo: Stu Forster
26. Nicklas Bendtner
The Arsenal loanee was highly-regarded by Bruce, and enjoyed a fairly successful spell at Sunderland as he netted eight times during his season with the club. Norwegian club Rosenborg is now Bendtner's home - although he was sentenced to 50 days in jail last November following allegations of assault. Photo: Gareth Copley