Black Cats missing Keane’s ‘box office’ appeal, admits Quinn

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn last night admitted his club will miss Roy Keane’s box office appeal. Quinn is delighted with how his compatriot’s successor, Ricky Sbragia has picked up the baton since Keane’s departure in December, and is confident he is the right man to take the Black Cats forward.

However, he remains grateful for the profile the former Manchester United captain gave the Wearsiders as he dragged them from the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship into the Premier League.

Quinn said: “We needed box office at that time when we were at the bottom of the Championship and at a low ebb and Roy brought it. But, at this stage of the journey, I believe box office is neither here nor there. It’s all about the team now, about improving the side and the results.