Black Cats to confirm Keane as boss

Roy Keane will be confirmed as Sunderland manager following tomorrow’s match against West Brom after the club confirmed they have agreed terms with the Irishman.

The former Manchester United captain was at the Stadium of Light today and has agreed to take over from manager-chairman Niall Quinn, who has occupied the role while a permanent choice was sought.

A statement on the club’s website, www.safc.com, said: “Roy Keane visited Sunderland today where he met with players and officials from the club.

“Keane and the club have agreed terms for him to be appointed as manager, and it is envisaged that he will sign a formal contract immediately after Sunderland’s game against West Brom tomorrow.”

The 35-year-old Irishman was at the club’s Academy of Light training headquarters today and met the players after training.

Keane is expected to be among the crowd as the Black Cats entertain West Brom tomorrow looking for a first Coca-Cola Championship point of the season.

Quinn has been talking to his former international team-mate over several days, although he refused to confirm that after the news leaked out.

But it represents a major coup for Quinn and his Drumaville consortium after luring Keane to Wearside for his first managerial post.

Ironically, he would replace Mick McCarthy, the man with whom he suffered a spectacular bust-up at the 2002 World Cup finals.

Quinn’s arrival after his consortium bought out former chairman Bob Murray during the summer raised spirits in the city, but the search for a new manager has proved long and frustrating.

Martin O’Neill and Sam Allardyce were among their top targets, and although there was always an interest in Keane despite repeated denials, his emergence at the front of the pack last week came as something of a surprise.

Keane’s appointment would give the club a huge lift despite his lack of experience, although with the transfer window due to close next Thursday, he would have little opportunity to strengthen his squad.

The Black Cats entertain West Brom having lost each of their first four Championship games and worse, having been dumped out of the Carling Cup by bottom-of-the-league Bury.