Keano Named Black Cats Boss

Sunderland Manager
By Chris O'Brien
September 3 2006

Roy Keane has been named the new manager of Sunderland. The former Manchester United midfielder will work under Niall Quinn, the man he labelled a "Muppet" only a few years ago.

Roy Keane has been named as the new manager of Sunderland.

Having retired from professional football at the end of last season, the former United star has been quick to find a job in management and has penned a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 35-year-old will form an unlikely partnership with Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn. The Irishman led a consortium to takeover the North East club, temporarily taking over the reigns as manager. Sunderland lost their first five games of the season, prompting him to reassure fans that a "world class" appointment was on the way.

Critics will suggest that the Championship club would have been better to install a more proven manager, whilst it is also hard to ignore Keane's harsh words about his new boss in recent years. Quinn was labelled a "Muppet" by the midfielder after Keane walked out on Ireland's 2002 World Cup campaign following a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy.

However, Quinn is convinced he has installed the right man for the job.

"This represents a major coup for our football club. The fact that one of the most influential figures in world football is willing to come here should make all the Sunderland fans very happy."

Keane's first game in charge of his new club will be on the 9th of September as he takes his men to Pride Park to take on Derby County.

Good luck to a true Manchester United legend.