Mackems begin managerial shortlist

SUNDERLAND yesterday started the process of drawing up a shortlist of candidates to succeed Roy Keane.

The business of whittling down a list of more than 30 serious applicants was on the agenda for the board’s monthly meeting, although no hard and fast decisions were expected.

Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn and his fellow directors, with the input of American investor Ellis Short, are gradually reducing the options to a point where they can start to identify genuine contenders. However, there is unlikely to be any swift appointment ahead of tomorrow’s vital Premier League clash with West Brom, with club hierarchy aware of the need for caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia to prepare for the Baggies with no distractions.