STEVE BRUCE intends to remain as Sunderland manager beyond the initial three year deal he’s agreed with Niall Quinn.

Bruce earned a reputation for being a managerial mercenary after taking charge of four clubs in the first three seasons of his career. But after accepting the offer to become the Black Cats boss he revealed he wants to bring the kind of success to Wearside that prompts his chairman to demand he signs a contract extension.

Bruce admitted his volatile temper and impatience made his first foray in management a very testing time. But after almost 500 games as a boss he believes Sunderland are about to reap the benefit of his maturity and coaching experience.

“When I was young, ‘hotheaded’ would probably be the right word,” admitted the 48-year-old. “But I did have a real tough baptism to it. My first year at Sheffield United – and I am glad to see that club on the up – I had six chief executives in that first year! I found that very difficult I have to tell you. But it has been worthwhile because the experience that you learn down there stands you in good stead.

“I was a bit naive to start with, I do not care who you are, whatever job you take it’s difficult, let alone in the Premier League at a big club.”

Quinn hopes that Bruce’s appointment brings stability to the Wearside club who’ve had five managers in the last three years: four of who were rookies. Asked if he regarded the Sunderland job as being a long-term project, Bruce replied: “I hope so. I hope that after two years, Niall is knocking my door down and saying can I sign an extension. I hope I can take the club forward.

“There is no reason why this club can’t be at the right end of the table battling the big boys. It is all here, the support is here so it is up to me to provide a team which is going to be capable of that.”

Bruce – thought to be considering a move for Valencia’s 6ft 7in striker Nikola Zigic – admitted that his petulance brought a premature end to his spells with Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

He said: “The first two or three years of management, if it wasn’t really written on the brochure what was in front of me, then I would sulk or get a pet lip or whatever you want to call it.

“But I have learnt now that it is not always what is written in the brochure. So I go into it with my eyes wide open.”

■ Sunderland will play in the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament next month. They will face hosts Ajax, Portuguese giants Benfica and Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid at the Amsterdam Arena over July 24 and 26.