Former Manchester United favourite Roy Keane has resigned as manager of Sunderland. The announcement came from the club after pressure grew on Keane following the recent 4-1 home defeat to Bolton Wanderers. It was the club’s sixth defeat in the last seven games – a run that has seen Sunderland drop into the bottom three.

 

There has been much speculation surrounding Keane’s future in the last few weeks with rumours circulating that he had lost the dressing room. However it is now understood that the 37 year old’s failure to agree to the terms of a new contract led to his rapid departure from the Stadium of Light.

Keane took his first managerial job with Sunderland at the start of the 2006/2007 season with the club rooted to the bottom of the Championship. However by the end of the season he oversaw a remarkable turn around that saw the Black Cats promoted as Champions. Although last season was difficult, Keane gained many admirers in the game for the way that he guided Sunderland to safety in their first season back.

Speaking at a Press Conference shortly after the news, Chairman Naill Quinn was full of praise for his former manager. He 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”.