Quinn plans cull at luckless Black Cats

NIALL QUINN has warned that only the strong will survive at Sunderland as he faces up to a crisis after just one week in management.

The former Republic of Ireland striker, whose Drumaville consortium bought the relegated Black Cats for £10 million (€14.8m) this summer, has been forced to take the demanding dual role of chairman and manager.

But Quinn has suffered three straight defeats, the latest a demoralising 3-2 setback against Plymouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Quinn, who admits new blood is needed, today hopes to learn whether Aston Villa are prepared to let his old Sunderland strike partner, Kevin Phillips, return to Wearside. He is also still pursuing Tottenham’s Irish winger Andy Reid, after having a £3m (€4.4m) bid rejected, and Spurs defender Calum Davenport.