Sbragia steps down

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Black Cats were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, but they survived as north-east rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough also lost and went down.

Sbragia told Sky Sports: "I've had a chat with Niall (chairman, Quinn) this week and I think we need a bigger name to carry the club further. I've done everything I needed to."

He added: "I was given the opportunity to manage the club - and I've kept them in the Premier League. I would like to have done it better but I'm really pleased we stayed up."

Sbragia, who took over following the resignation of Roy Keane in November, continued: "I've loved it.

"There's been a lot of pressure - we started so well and maybe got carried away, losing our focus - but I always thought we were good enough to stay in the Premier League.

"I would like to have finished it today with a win but I'm pleased for the players and my staff. We've got a foundation and I'll be thoroughly enjoying seeing Sunderland move up that table.

"I'll come back in the next couple of days and tidy things up but I'll enjoy tonight and I'll look forward to some time on my own reflecting on what's happened in the last five months."

Goals from Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole gave Chelsea victroy in Guus Hiddink's final game in charge with Kieran Richardson and Kenwyne Jones replying for Sunderland.