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Premier League: Craig Gardner says there's no bad blood with former boss Gus Poyet

Image: Craig Gardner: Back in the West Midlands

West Brom's Craig Gardner says there was no bad blood with former boss Gus Poyet when he faced Sunderland on Saturday.

The 27-year-old midfielder joined West Brom on a free transfer during the summer having become a bit-part player at the Stadium of Light as Poyet oversaw a remarkable escape from relegation last season.

Amidst talk of homesickness, the Solihull-born former Aston Villa and Birmingham player has returned to the West Midlands on a three-year deal at the Baggies.

After playing in Saturday's 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns, Gardner said: “It was nice to play against my old club. They’ve always been great to me and the fans have too.”

He was also positive about both clubs' prospects in what promises to be a tough Premier League campaign.

“I don’t think Sunderland will be in the relegation fight and I don’t think we will either," he said.

“They’re a good team and so are we - hopefully we can pick up the points as we go along so we’re not down there."

Gardner, capped 14 times for England Under-21s, made 100 appearances in three years for the Black Cats, scoring 14 times.

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