Sunderland midfielder defends Bruce against ex-chairman's comments

Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole has disputed Wigan chairman Dave Whelan's claim that Steve Bruce left the Latics with some "dodgy signings".

But Cattermole, who followed Bruce to Wearside this summer after signing for him at Wigan 12 months earlier, is puzzled at Whelan's comments which add spice to the Black Cats' visit to the DW Stadium on Saturday.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "I like Dave Whelan. I think he's a good chairman - a footballing chairman.

"But I don't understand where he is coming from with this.

"When you look at the guys Steve bought for Wigan, you just can't argue with his record - Wilson Palacios, Antonio Valencia - they were sold for big, big money.

"Not everyone's going to be a big hit but I can't understand Dave Whelan attacking the gaffer.

"I think he is just trying to take the heat off the new manager.

"You look at the signings the gaffer made at Wigan and, to be honest, I thought they were all good."