Sunderland appoint Sbragia

Sunderland have appointed Ricky Sbragia as permanent 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 as caretaker, which have brought two victories, a draw and a defeat, and that away to Manchester United.

Sbragia succeeds Roy Keane, who resigned earlier this month in the belief he had taken the club as far as he could.

Quinn said: "Ricky Sbragia is a thoroughly professional football person.

"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 reigns when we were at a low ebb and has without doubt revitalised 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.

"I'm sure all of our fans, and the players too, will give Ricky their full backing in his first senior management position."

The appointment was confirmed after a boardroom meeting on Saturday morning in the wake of Friday's goalless home draw with Blackburn, which followed victories over West Brom and Hull.

Sbragia said: "I'm delighted to have been offered the opportunity to manage a club as big as Sunderland and I'm relishing the challenge ahead. My main priority is moving up the Premier League table and ensuring we have unity and stability at the club."