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Roy Keane hints Sunderland's problems come from the top

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Roy Keane guided Sunderland back to the Premier League in 2007 and said he'd still be there if he had been left alone

Roy Keane has strongly hinted that Sunderland's hierarchy is culpable for the club's continual managerial upheaval.

Keane had 27 months in charge at the Stadium of Light, and the Premier League club is now looking for a seventh permanent manager since his departure in December 2008.

Since then Steve Bruce, Ricky Sbragia, Martin O'Neill, Paolo Di Canio, Gus Poyet and Dick Advocaat have all tried to bring success to the Wearside club, but none of them has managed to match Keane's 42 per cent winning record.

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham
Image: Dick Advocaat left the club on Sunday after claiming only three points from eight Premier League games

Advocaat's brief stay came to an end on Monday, and when asked if he was surprised at his swift departure, Keane simply said: "No."

Asked why not, he replied: "It's Sunderland, isn't it? It's a brilliant club, but I don't know, I really can't comment on why different managers have left or have been sacked.

"But people in the background probably need to have a good look at themselves."

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Sunderland owner Ellis Short waves from the stands during the Barclays Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London.
Image: Keane hinted that owner Ellis Short should take his share of the blame for continued upheaval at the Stadium of Light

Keane's exit came after his relationship with owner and chairman Ellis Short deteriorated beyond repair, and when he was pressed on whether his earlier comments referred to people who were at the club during his stay, he added: "Yes" before adding with a smile: "If they'd let me alone, I'd probably still be there now and I wouldn't be having to chat to you."

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