Quinn won't rush Sbragia replacement

Chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed Sunderland will take their time as they search for a new manager.

Following the confirmation of Barclays Premier League status on the final day of the season, Sunderland chairman Quinn commented, "It's been a tough season and everyone is just relieved and delighted that it's finally over and we've secured our Premier League status.

"Ensuring we stayed up was absolutely massive and gives us a new lease of life to build on in the future. We'll all take a few days to breathe now and absorb everything that has happened and then roll our sleeves up again for next season.

walked away

Caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia announced his resignation immediately after the Black Cats' defeat to Chelsea, and Quinn has been quick to praise the man who steered the club to safety following Roy Keane's sudden departure earlier in the season.

"I'd like to place on record our thanks to Ricky for giving the club this vital lifeline. He took over at a very difficult time when we were already in the bottom three and unexpectedly left without a manager. He didn't ask for the position but stepped in when others would have walked away. I had to convince him to take the job but he's achieved the goal we set him and the implications of that are absolutely enormous for the club and all Sunderland fans.

"Ricky is a really genuine and honourable man and has told me this evening that he doesn't want to take up the option of a second year on his contract and I've accepted his decision. In stepping aside he's shown again that he always puts the club first in everything he does.

"Ricky is going to take some time off and think about his future but I've told him there will always be a role for him here if he wants it."

"It goes without saying that the search for a new manager will start soon but the season is over so we don't need to rush to make this important decision. We will take our time in the coming weeks to make the right appointment."