Quinn backs Keane

Quinn insists everyone at the club must stick together

Last updated: 1st December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Quinn backs Keane

Quinn: Backs Keane

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Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has pledged his backing to manager Roy Keane as he continues to build for the long-term.

The Black Cats are languishing in the Premier League drop-zone but unlike other chairman, who have panicked and fired their managers, Quinn is sticking by his man.

After years of instability at the club, the Irishman believes now is the time for everyone to stick together and build for the future, despite last weekend's 7-1 Premier League drubbing at the hands of Everton.

"I just feel for the good of Sunderland at this time, developing Roy over a long period of time is the best option for us," Quinn told The Sun.

Panic

"We won't go back to the panic stations and the diversion of blame that has happened here in the past.

"A lot of people try to stir things up but Roy knows we are there for him and that we are all in this together.

"We are indebted to Roy for what he has done for Sunderland. Roy has a huge presence and that has helped to bring the club out of the doldrums.

"Before he took over, Sunderland were only in the news for negative reasons and the club needed to start to feel better about itself.

Doldrums

"Roy did that for the club. He grabbed the club by the scruff of the neck and pulled it out of doldrums.

"I believe his education at the club will be a process that can turn him into a truly great manager.

"I think we're at the level where he can do that - and if we give him time I think he can be fantastic for us."

Quinn believes Keane can keep the Black Cats up and will be backing him with funds in the January transfer window.

"We always knew it would be tough and that things would take time but we like to think that we've got more than enough to stay up," he added. "We also hope we can do something in the January transfer window."