Sunderland have named Ricky Sbragia as their new manager, signing the 52 year old Scot to an 18-month contract.
Sbragia won the job after taking over from Roy Keane and leading Sunderland to two wins and one draw in his first four games.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn had this to say about Sbragia:
“Ricky took up the reins when we were at a low ebb and has revitalised the club. We have been taken aback by how easily he has slotted into the managerial role and are really heartened by his intelligent approach in dealing with the players and the day-to-day rigours of the job.
“He is the unanimous choice of the executive board and will receive every support in his new role. The ownership of the club have also fully endorsed the appointment. I’m sure all of our fans, and the players too, will give Ricky their full backing in his first senior management position.”
Interesting that Sbragia is the unanimous choice of the board, but they only gave him an 18 month contract. That indicates to me that Quinn is not completely sold on Sbragia, but feels that he is the best available choice at the moment.
Sbragia still needs to produce or I expect Sunderland to move for a bigger name manager in the summer.