[funkdoctorspock]

Man, Sunderland were poor today.

Seriously, there central midfield needs a lot of work. They are failing to create up top for the strikers and wingers and they aren't getting back on defense, creating massive space for the opposition to play in.

Bolton ran over them today because of this.

They will definitely space up this campaign, but they need proper central midfielders.

[PaperCut]

SUNDERLAND CONFIRMS DEPARTURE OF ROY KEANE

After 2 ¼ years at the helm, Roy Keane has parted company with Sunderland AFC after both parties reached an amicable agreement.

Keane, who decided the time had come to stand down took over Sunderland in August 2006 when the team were languishing at the bottom of the Championship. He steered the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt and maintained Premier League status in 2008.

Sunderland Chairman Niall 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 singled mindedness were just what this Club needed when 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.“

Roy Keane 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.”

The Board will now commence the task of identifying and recruiting a successor and Ricky Sbragia has agreed to take over team management assisted by Neil Bailey and Dwight Yorke as an interim measure.

SAFC.COM

[Torque]

Oh man. That sucks. Never imgined Keano quitting. On the ether hand it could be good for both the club and Keane. He's done a great job getting them back into PL and keeping them there.

Maybe his next team will be one with more opportunities. Good luck to you Keano.

[mg91]

I personally think he should have stayed on. That said, there must be very few things that are harder to do than trying to take a team forward when you think you've done all you can.

Perhaps it's better for the club that he leaves with the respect of the fans and the board rather than hanging on and in turn being sacked. I don;t mind Sunderland, so hopefully this will be sorted out for them soon.

It will be interesting to see the player's reaction on Sunday, will they arc up? Or will they be beat before the game even starts??

[funkdoctorspock]

As much as it pains me to say this, I do believe Roy walked out of Sunderland when the going was getting too difficult.

The team was playing a lot better football this season than last.

There problem was down to concentration lapses and gelilng as a unit.

They are definitely going to stay up. I just have a feeling Keane used the "taken them as far as I can" speech to leave as an excuse for something else.

Extremely disappointed he quit on Sunderland.