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Sbragia appointed Sunderland boss

December 28, 2008 00:00:00


Sunderland have appointed caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia as their new manager on an 18-month contract, BBC reports.
The Scot, 52, has been handed the job after an impressive spell which saw Sunderland win two games, draw one and lose just once to Manchester United.
Sbragia succeeds Roy Keane, who resigned on 4 December with the club in the bottom three of the Premier League.
"Ricky took up the reins when we were at a low ebb and has revitalised the club," said chairman Niall Quinn.
"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.
"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."
Sbragia, who joined the club as first-team coach a year ago, had played down his chances of becoming the new manager when he took over following Keane's sudden departure.

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