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Keane quits as Sunderland boss

04/12/2008

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has left the club following crisis talks with chairman Niall Quinn this morning.

Former Republic of Ireland international Keane was in his first job as a full-time coach, and had guided the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League in the 2006/07 season.

He followed that achievement up by successfully avoiding relegation in Sunderland's first term in the top flight.

However, it seems Keane has paid the price for a disappointing start to this season, which has seen his team win just four of their opening 15 matches and slump to third-from-bottom.

Club coach Ricky Sbragia has been appointed as caretaker manager and will be assisted by Neil Bailey and veteran player Dwight Yorke while the club begin the search for a new boss.

Speaking about the manager's departure, Quinn said: "First of all, on behalf of everyone here I would like pay thanks to Roy Keane for all his hard work in progressing this club, lifting its status and growing its worldwide profile.

"Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League.

"His winning mentality and single-mindedness were just what this club needed when [Quinn's investment group] Drumaville took over shortly before his arrival.

"Roy's decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.

"The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future."

Keane himself added: "I would like to thank my staff, players, Niall Quinn and in particular the fans for their support during my time at Sunderland and I would like to wish the club every success in the future."

A recent poor run of five defeats in six games since claiming a 2-1 derby victory over local rivals Newcastle United in late October has prompted many in the media to question Keane's position.

This continued to such an extent that the manager himself commented after the recent 4-1 home defeat by Bolton Wanderers: "I ask myself every day if I'm the right man for Sunderland.

"I have to be honest in my assessment. It's not about what's best for Roy Keane. It's about what's best for Sunderland football club."

He continued: "I might wake up on Monday morning and think I'm the right man. On Tuesday it might be different.

"I'm the manager of this football club and ultimately I'm responsible. I've never shied away from that.

"That's part of being a manager and that's why I take full responsibility for the run we're on and everything else."

Keane was expected to give a pre-match briefing to the media at around 13:00 GMT, ahead of this weekend's fixture away to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, the press conference was instead used to announce Keane's departure.

When the news first broke at around 11:30 GMT this morning, the club's official website crashed under the weight of traffic as fans clamoured for any announcement.