Bruce aims to follow the Bolton survival blueprint

Steve Bruce says Sunderland must learn a lesson in Premier League survival from opening-day opponents Bolton. Bruce launches his reign as manager today with a visit to the Reebok Stadium, to face Gary Megson's side. Sunderland have earned a reputation as a yo-yo club after being relegated three times in nine years, and struggled again last season. Bruce, appointed in June after quitting Wigan, is urging his reshaped squad to follow Bolton's example. He said: "For what they have done as a club, I have the highest respect. For a team like Bolton to be in the league for the past eight years is a quite remarkable achievement, fantastic. That's the way we have to go to establish ourselves." Bolton v Sunderland KO 6pm Show Comedy Xtra