Sunderland have moved to quash speculation regarding the future of boss Ricky Sbragia as the team finds itself dangerously close to the Premier League drop zone.

 

As Sbragia’s charges lie 17^th, chairman Niall Quinn has spoken out to give his manager his full support. "There is absolutely no truth that we are looking at anybody else." Said Quinn. Sbragia himself appears unconcerned about the various rumours linking the likes of Alan Curbishley with a move to the Stadium Of Light. "It is not a distraction," said Sbragia, "It is media speculation so I can't do an awful lot about that…..the biggest thing in my mind is just the Hull game.”   

The clash with the Tigers who themselves have recently fallen close to the relegation dogfight has suddenly become a must-win game for both clubs but especially the Black Cats. With North East rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough also involved, the potential for a very bad year for the passion-filled region is looming ever more real. Sbragia’s focus on ensuring his team’s continued presence in the top flight could well do without outside influences that could derail a push to safety.