Post by Natty on May 24, 2009 17:24:10 GMT -1
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia has resigned from the club despite the Black Cats avoiding relegation.
Sbragia stood down immediately after the side secured their Premier League status following a 3-2 loss to Chelsea.
"I do feel that the club needs a bigger name," said Sbragia. "I took over in a difficult situation. I was asked to keep the club up and I achieved that.
"I could've been selfish and stayed on but I felt it was best for the club for me to step down."
Sbragia took over as boss following the departure of Roy Keane in December 2008.
He initially looked set to guide the club comfortably clear of relegation with two wins in his first three games.
But the Black Cats suffered a dip in form and have won just three more league games this season under Sbragia.
Sunderland are expected to have major finances available for strengthening during the summer and Sbragia felt that he had achieved his aim of Premier League survival and that it was now time to step aside.
"I've loved it," added Sbragia. "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 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 Sunday night and I'll look forward to some time on my own reflecting on what's happened in the last five months."
Quinn praised the job done by Sbragia and insisted he would be keeping him at the club, with a player recruitment role being mentioned.
"Ricky stood up when we needed him," he said. "He's been absolutely superb.
"He was given one task - to keep the club up - and he achieved it. He is Sunderland through and through.
"He's given this club a lifeline. And I'm delighted he's also agreed to work with me in kicking the club on. He's got a job here for life.
"We had a discussion yesterday and Ricky - typical of Ricky - told me he thought the club needs a bigger name to move the club on."
Sbragia stood down immediately after the side secured their Premier League status following a 3-2 loss to Chelsea.
"I do feel that the club needs a bigger name," said Sbragia. "I took over in a difficult situation. I was asked to keep the club up and I achieved that.
"I could've been selfish and stayed on but I felt it was best for the club for me to step down."
Sbragia took over as boss following the departure of Roy Keane in December 2008.
He initially looked set to guide the club comfortably clear of relegation with two wins in his first three games.
But the Black Cats suffered a dip in form and have won just three more league games this season under Sbragia.
Sunderland are expected to have major finances available for strengthening during the summer and Sbragia felt that he had achieved his aim of Premier League survival and that it was now time to step aside.
"I've loved it," added Sbragia. "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 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 Sunday night and I'll look forward to some time on my own reflecting on what's happened in the last five months."
Quinn praised the job done by Sbragia and insisted he would be keeping him at the club, with a player recruitment role being mentioned.
"Ricky stood up when we needed him," he said. "He's been absolutely superb.
"He was given one task - to keep the club up - and he achieved it. He is Sunderland through and through.
"He's given this club a lifeline. And I'm delighted he's also agreed to work with me in kicking the club on. He's got a job here for life.
"We had a discussion yesterday and Ricky - typical of Ricky - told me he thought the club needs a bigger name to move the club on."
