Soccer Globe

It seems that Roy Keane has left Sunderland. He had recently spoken about a three year plan which would run out at the end of the season, but it had been assumed that due to his popularity with fans and successes since taking over in 2006 that it was an empty threat designed to give him a stronger bargaining position in contract talks. Instead, it seems that Keane’s disappointment at Sunderland recently dropping into the relegation zone is the straw that broke the camel’s back.

According to the Independent Newspaper, Sunderland’s players were made aware of Keane’s departure in a morning meeting.

In the last few hours, official statements have confirmed the events. Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn said:

“Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League. His winning mentality and single-mindedness were just what this club needed when (Irish consortium) Drumaville took over shortly before his arrival.

“Roy’s decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.

“The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future.”

Keane added:

“I would like to thank my staff, players, Niall Quinn and in particular the fans for their support during my time at Sunderland, and I would like to wish the club every success in the future.”

After Sunderland’s devastating defeat to Bolton on Saturday, Keane had described how he asked himself “every single day if I am the right man for Sunderland”.

“I asked myself this morning and I said that I was. Tomorrow morning if the answer’s no we will have to look at it.

“I have to be honest in my assessment. It’s not about what’s best for Roy Keane. It’s Sunderland Football Club. I might wake up on Monday morning and think I’m the right man. On Tuesday it might be different.”

It seems then that Keane has now decided he isn’t the man to be leading Sunderland.

Source:TheMirror