O’Leary will not be teaming up with Quinn
The Black Cats have privately dismissed speculation that the former Republic of Ireland international could be on former team-mate Niall Quinn’s list of candidates for the Sunderland vacancy.
Quinn is working towards appointing Mick McCarthy’s successor with barely two weeks remaining before the start of the new Coca-Cola Championship season.
Having given up hope of attracting Martin O’Neill, Bolton’s Sam Allardyce remains Quinn’s top target despite Wanderers insisting Sunderland have little chance of landing him.
Quinn tabled his consortium’s £10million takeover bid earlier this month and was given permission by then chairman Bob Murray to start the search for a new manager.
Quinn’s intention had been to leave the re-shaping of the squad to the new manager, but he has now had to start the ball rolling.
Full-back Julio Arca is understood to be in talks with neighbours Middlesbrough, while goalkeeper Kelvin Davis could still move to Southampton.
On Wednesday, Quinn handed 35-year-old former Ireland team-mate Kenny Cunningham a one-year deal.
Cunningham was delighted to have been handed a chance to help drag the Black Cats back into the Barclays Premiership.
“This club sells itself. It’s a wonderful football club that has had a disappointing year. There is a determination around the place to take it back to the Premiership. Hopefully we will be very competitive next season”, he said.
Cunningham made his debut in the 2-0 friendly victory at Rotherham on Wednesday night.
He did not take much persuading to sign after listening to Quinn’s plans for the future.
Cunningham said: “It always helps when you’ve had a personal relationship with someone over the years. The fact that there’s no manager here didn’t affect my decision. I know how ambitious Niall is, and he is optimistic about the club’s chances.”
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