Tuesday 23 September 2014 09:50, UK
Phil Bardsley has praised Sunderland boss Gus Poyet ahead of his return to the Stadium of Light, but insists he needed to move on for a fresh challenge.
The Scotland defender spent more than six seasons with Sunderland before leaving for Stoke City in the summer.
He has nothing but praise for Poyet, who brought him back into the Sunderland team after he was axed and made to train with the youth side by predecessor Paolo Di Canio.
Bardsley, who returns to the Stadium of Light with Stoke in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, told the Daily Express: “I was privileged to play under some fantastic managers at Sunderland and none more so than Gus.
“One of my heroes, Roy Keane, took me there and I was lucky enough to play under three other brilliant bosses in Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill and Gus.
I was privileged to play under some fantastic managers at Sunderland and none more so than Gus.
“It was a tough, difficult decision to leave but I felt I needed to move on to a fresh challenge.
“The important thing was that I left with the club still in the Premier League after that amazing battle last season.
“I can’t speak too highly of the gaffer and it was because of him that I decided to stay in January.
“He asked me to help keep them in the top flight and because he brought me back from the cold I said I would. Thankfully it worked out.”
Poyet admits it hurt when Bardsley left the club but he understands his decision, saying: “If I said I was disappointed I would not be telling the whole truth because it hurts badly.
“But if Phil and his family are happy, then that is the most important thing.”
