Sbragia is new coach at Sunderland

English Premier League side Sunderland on Saturday appointed Ricky Sbragia as manager following a successful short spell in charge as caretaker coach.

The 52-year-old Scot has won an 18-month contract from chairman Niall Quinn on the back of his four games in charge since the resignation of Roy Keane earlier this month.

Those games saw Sunderland claw their way out of the relegation zone with two victories, a draw and a single defeat, away to Manchester United.

Former Manchester United skipper Keane stood down after 27 months in charge at the Stadium of Light saying he had taken the club as far as he could.

“Ricky Sbragia is a thoroughly professional football person,” Quinn said.

“We have been taken aback by how easily he has slotted into the managerial role and are really heartened by his intelligent approach in dealing with the players and the day-to-day rigours of the job.

“Ricky took up the reigns when we were at low ebb and has without doubt revitalised the club.

“He is the unanimous choice of the executive board and will receive every support in his new role. The ownership of the club have also fully endorsed the appointment.

“I'm sure all of our fans, and the players too, will give Ricky their full backing in his first senior management position.”

The appointment comes had on the heels of Friday's Boxing Day 0-0 home draw with Blackburn, which followed victories over West Brom and Hull.

Sbragia will be in charge as full-time manager for the first time for Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton.

“I'm delighted to have been offered the opportunity to manage a club as big as Sunderland and I'm relishing the challenge ahead,” he said.

“My main priority is moving up the Premier League table and ensuring we have unity and stability at the club.

“I've been extremely pleased by the commitment shown by the players to date and the support we have all received from the fans.

“We travel to Merseyside this afternoon and I can hardly wait.”