Premier League - Sbragia quits as Sunderland boss

Eurosport - Sun, 24 May 19:21:00 2009

Ricky Sbragia stood down as Sunderland manager on Sunday after his side narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the Premier League season.

FOOTBALL Ricky Sbragia, who quit as Sunderland manager after they narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League - 0

Former Manchester United reserve team coach Sbragia, who took over after Roy Keane resigned in December, confirmed his decision to Sky Sports following a 3-2 defeat at home to Chelsea which ultimately did not prove too costly.

"I've had a chat with Niall (chairman, Quinn) this week and I think we need a bigger name to carry the club further. I've done everything I needed to," he said. "I was given the opportunity to manage the club - and I've kept them in the Premier League. I would like to have done it better but I'm really pleased we stayed up.

"There's been a lot of pressure - we started so well and maybe got carried away, losing our focus - but I always thought we were good enough to stay in the Premier League.

"I would like to have finished it today with a win but I'm pleased for the players and my staff. We've got a foundation and I'll be thoroughly enjoying seeing Sunderland move up that table.

"I'll come back in the next couple of days and tidy things up but I'll enjoy tonight and I'll look forward to some time on my own reflecting on what's happened in the last five months."

Sunderland, who entered the final day of the season in danger of the drop, ended fifth from bottom on 36 points, two above north-east rivals Newcastle United who went down after a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Quinn said Sbragia would be offered another role at the club.

PA Sport / Reuters

Comment 1 - 7 of 7

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  1. Keane was a @#$% and started the rot. Ricky did ok. ­ Niall Quinn is quality.

    Pity poor Ipswich under the­ chisel faced @#$%. p.ott

    From peter s, on Mon 25 May 8:49PM

  2. The job Ricky has done after the decline under Roy­ Keane has been immense. As a born and bred Sunderland­ fan I thank him from the bottom of my heart, and truley­ hope he stays on in some capacity. Who next I have no­ idea strachan ? we will have to wait and see.
    Thank you­ Ricky and Niall Quinn get those Disco pants out dust­ them off and celebrate before planning for next season,­ Legend

    From geord1uk, on Mon 25 May 7:43PM

  3. ahhh he kept them up but he wasnt good enough­ really,need a big name here.shearer should take the job­ instead of that shower of s hite up the road :)

    From robbieisfineshedyahoooo, on Mon 25 May 5:17PM

  4. does it feel good to go down newcastle, now you know­ how it feels, I cant say Im sorry after the stick you­ have given sunderland over the years, I hope it takes a­ few years for your return, good luck.

    From PAUL F, on Mon 25 May 12:32AM

  5. be a better championship next year. itll makes the­ premier league looks twice as gd as it actually is...

    From dodger, on Sun 24 May 9:10PM

  6. Well done Ricky, not easy being thrust into the­ limelight the way you were. Some people work better­ behind the scenes where they are more effective not­ having to fend off constant attention from the press.­ Have a rest and recouperate -you look knackered.

    From Disgusted, on Sun 24 May 8:54PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Sunderland to go down next year!

    From Steven, on Sun 24 May 8:52PM
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