Bilic in the frame as Sbragia steps down

AS celebrations go it was hardly a case of popping the champagne corks, but then that just isn’t Ricky Sbragia’s style.

Marking the achievement of keeping Sunderland in the Premier League, albeit in defeat, one of football’s great thinkers once again allowed his head to rule his heart and stepped down from the role of manager at the Stadium Of Light.

The Croat Slaven Bilic is hot favourite to succeed Sbragia and become Sunderland’s fifth manager in as many years.