Roy Keane quit for sake of club, says Niall Quinn

The former Manchester United midfielder had not been seen on Wearside since Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Bolton and his managerial ability had been called into question in recent weeks.

Keane held crisis talks with Quinn and other advisers last night and today those meetings ended with the Irishman resigning.

Quinn said: "First of all, on behalf of everyone here I would like to pay thanks to Roy Keane for all his hard work in progressing this club, lifting its status and growing its worldwide profile.

"Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League.

"His winning mentality and single-mindedness were just what this club needed when Drumaville (consortium) took over shortly before his arrival.

"Roy's decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club.

"Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.

"The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future."

Keane spent £80million during his two-and-a-half years in charge at the Stadium of Light.

Rumours had circulated that the Irishman had lost the dressing room as his team had fallen into the relegation zone after five defeats in their last six matches.

Keane admitted his own fallibility after last weekend's defeat but today he only gave a brief statement in which he said: "I would like to thank my staff, players, Niall Quinn and in particular the fans for their support during my time at Sunderland. I would like to wish the club every success in the future."

Keane's decision to walk away is in stark contrast to his fiercely combative nature that defined his playing career.

His hardline approach to management extended to the treatment of his players, some of whom were thought to have become alienated by his confrontational demeanour.

Notoriously outspoken, the Irishman never moved his family to the region and was content to allow his contract at the club to enter its final year.

Keane distanced himself from talks over a new deal and is believed to have offered to quit before last month's away win at Blackburn before being persuaded to stay.

First-team coach Ricky Sbragia will take over team affairs on an interim basis, assisted by reserve-team coach Neil Bailey and senior player Dwight Yorke, for Saturday's trip to Old Trafford as the club begin the search for a new manager.

Potential candidates include Sam Allardyce, sacked last year after a poor spell at Newcastle, and former West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley.

Roy Keane - Factfile

THE PLAYER
Born: Cork,
10 Aug 1971
Pro: 1990

Clubs: Nott'm Forest, Man Utd, Celtic
Games/goals: 647/85
Honours: Seven English league titles, four FA Cups, one Scottish title
Rep of Ire: 66/9

THE BOSS
Sunderland

Games: 100
Won: 42
Lost: 41
Drew: 17
Honours: Championship winner 06/07