Sbragia Shrugs Off Sack Talk

Mikk · 05-20-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

From: Sky Sports

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is ignoring speculation over his future at the Stadium of Light.

Sbragia's position at the club has come under the spotlight as he attempts to drag the club out of relegation trouble.

Sunderland face a nervy final day after failing to secure their Premier League status on Monday by losing to Portsmouth.

The Black Cats are nervously looking over their shoulders with Hull City only one point behind and North East rivals Newcastle just a further point worse off.

Reports have suggested Sbragia will be replaced as manager even if he keeps Sunderland up, but the Scot is not worried about the speculation.

"I actually don't read it. I'm not interested in that, to be honest with you," insisted Sbraiga about the rumours.

"I am only concerned about Sunderland Football Club and what we have got to do. It's up to us, isn't it?"

Sbragia, who took over as manager following Roy Keane's departure in December, remains confident Sunderland will secure survival in the Premier League.

"When I took the job on, we were in a sticky situation, I knew that, and I was told to keep us in the Premier League - and I still believe we will be in the Premier League after Sunday," added Sbragia.

"That's as far as it goes, as far as I'm concerned."

Victory for Sunderland over Chelsea would guarantee their participation in next season's Premier League, while a draw would be enough if Newcastle and Hull fail to beat Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively.

But defeat would prove fatal if both the Magpies and the Tigers won.

He really should go and hopefully Niall does the right thing and after the last game gets rid of Ricky.

Quinn has wanted to move the club forward and unfortunatly we've not done that and pretty much done the same as last season.

We need one of those supposed big name managers that sent an application in once Roy left.

The Phantom · 05-21-2009, 05:54 PM

Who can you see them appointing?

It would be awfully hard for them to appoint a high profile manager if they were to get relegated to the Championship. Not only would a 'big' named manager not relish the challenge of Championship football, but I think they'd struggle. It's a different kind of football down there.

I definatly think they should go for someone Brittish, should they decide to part ways with Mr. Sbragia.

Dmac · 05-21-2009, 06:03 PM

If they go down then maybe Steve Coppell?

It's a little soon but who knows...

Mikk · 05-21-2009, 11:10 PM

Well as i've just seen on Sky Sports, if we are to stay up it looks like we've got Martin Jol lined up according to the back page of the Star and i'd certainly welcome him at the SOL, he wasn't given a fair go at Spurs and he'd fit in well here.

edit

Full story:

Quote:

From: Daily Star

Sunderland are ready to give former Spurs boss Martin Jol a route back into English football by offering him the manager’s job at the Stadium of Light.

<style> #bodycopy a { font-size: 12px; } </style> And sources close to Jol, currently at German club Hamburg, claim he would be interested in the Black Cats job – if they stay in the Premier League and match his ambitions.

Sunderland will avoid the drop if they beat Chelsea or either Hull or Newcastle drop points on Sunday, and are expected to make a managerial announcement next week.

Ricky Sbragia won’t be staying in the Black Cats’ hotseat whatever their fate and Jol has emerged as the big-name manager Niall Quinn wants to bring in.

He’s on a short-list which also includes fellow Dutchman Co Adriaanse, the highly experienced former coach of Ajax and Porto whose contract at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria ends next month. And Croatia’s national coach Slaven Bilic is also highly thought of in the Sunderland boardroom.

But Jol is No.1 on Quinn’s hitlist, and last night a source suggested he would be interested.

“Martin has never hidden his desire to manage in England again,’’ he said.

“He’s ruled himself out of the running for the vacant AZ Alkmaar job back home in Holland because he wants another chance in the Premier League where he feels he has unfinished business.’’ Jol is not interested in joining a club which faces a fight for survival every season and Sunderland are struggling to shed their reputation as a yo-yo club despite massive investment during Roy Keane’s two years in charge.

But with Irish-American billionaire Ellis Short set to strengthen his own position, Quinn believes that, providing Sunderland survive, he can convince Jol of the club’s potential.

He’s already hinted at major investment this summer and a new era on Wearside though he’s been forced to delay any announcement until the club’s fate is decided.

Will be very pleased if this is the case.

Tommy Platinum · 05-22-2009, 07:56 AM

If you go down you'll be in trouble.

But I don't think you will so Jol could be a good bet.

Sbragia Shrugs Off Sack Talk

This is a discussion on Sbragia Shrugs Off Sack Talk within the European Sports forums, part of the Sports Forums category; From: Sky Sports Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is ignoring speculation over his future at the Stadium of Light. Sbragia's position ...