Sunderland Appoint Sbragia As Manager

Sunderland have appointed Ricky Sbragia as manager after his successful spell as caretaker. The Scot, 52, has been handed an 18-month contract by chairman Niall Quinn as the reward for his four games in charge, which have brought two victories — a 4–0 win over West Brom and a 4–1 thumping of Hull — a draw and a single defeat, and that away to Manchester United.

"Ricky Sbragia is a thoroughly professional football person," said Quinn. "We have been taken aback by how easily he has slotted into the managerial role and are really heartened by his intelligent approach in dealing with the players and the day-to-day rigours of the job.

"Ricky took up the reins when we were at low ebb and has without doubt revitalized the club. He is the unanimous choice of the executive board and will receive every support in his new role. The ownership of the club have also fully endorsed the appointment."

Sbragia succeeds Roy Keane, who resigned earlier this month with the club in 18th place in the Premier League. Results under Sbragia's caretaker charge have lifted the club out of the relegation zone and into 14th, though they remain only two points clear of the bottom three.

"My main priority is moving up the Premier League table and ensuring we have unity and stability at the club," said Sbragia, who was first-team coach under Keane and had worked in the same role at Bolton and as reserve team coach for three years at Manchester United. "I've been extremely pleased by the commitment shown by the players to date and the support we have all received from the fans. We travel to Merseyside this afternoon [for tomorrow's game against Everton] and I can hardly wait."

Prior to rejoining the club last year, Sbragia had spent eight years as a youth- and reserve-team coach with the Black Cats after joining from York in 1994. He begins with tomorrow's fixture at Goodison Park and before his side take on his former employers Bolton in the FA Cup.