Quinn set to hold talks with Sbragia

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn is expected to sit down with caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia later this week to gauge his feelings on a more permanent role.

The Scot continues to impress after being placed in temporary charge of team affairs in the wake of Roy Keane’s resignation earlier this month, and led his side to a second successive league victory at Hull on Saturday.

As long as the Black Cats prosper under his charge, Quinn and his fellow directors will be under little pressure to make a swift appointment.

However, there is a growing feeling that Sbragia is doing such a good job that he is establishing himself not only as the bookmakers’ favourite — Ladbrokes were yesterday quoting him at evens with Alan Curbishley his closest rival at 8/1 — but as the leading candidate in the boardroom.

The former Manchester United and Bolton coach has admitted he does not know whether he would want the job if an offer came his way, although more than one player has left him in little doubt that his appointment would be welcomed within the dressing room.

Striker Kenwyne Jones said: “It’s not for me to say who should be manager. That’s a decision for the chairman.

“But I think you can see from our performances that we like and respect Ricky. We have brought back something that was missing from our performances.”

It is understood Quinn will hold talks with Sbragia within the next few days, but there will continue to be no rush to install Keane’s successor whatever the outcome.

Speculation continues to link a series of managers with the vacancy, with Poland coach Leo Beenhakker once again among the headlines at the weekend as well as, intriguingly, current Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear.

The man in charge at St James’ Park was swift to dismiss the stories after the 2-1 win over Tottenham, although his position on Tyneside remains uncertain beyond the end of this season with the club still up for sale.

Sbragia will remain at the helm with the Wearsiders, who currently sit in 13th place in the table as a result of their wins over West Brom and Hull, entertaining second-bottom Blackburn on St Stephen’s Day before travelling to Everton two days later.

Despite taking six points from a possible nine under Sbragia, Sunderland remain just a single win clear of the drop zone.