Keane content to take his time
12 May 2008 - 14:55:16
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- Keane content to take his time
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is happy to take his time searching for new players this summer to strengthen his squad.
The Black Cats were the only side to be promoted in 2006-07 that did not suffer an immediate return to the Premier League, following the demotion of Reading and Birmingham City on the last day of the campaign.
"I want to step back a little this summer," said Keane. "I wasted a lot of time and energy last time around.
"It was very tough for us last summer and we have to expect it to be the same this time too. But this time I have to identify the players and just let the chairman and chief executive do their bit.
"I can't really get away from everything because I've got young children and responsibilities but I want to try and switch off for a while.
"I'm due a meeting with (chairman) Niall Quinn and (chief executive) Peter Walker, so we'll have a better idea of what we have and how many players we can afford to buy.
"But everyone's chasing quality players and I think it's going to get harder for all of us. The Arsenal manager is in the same boat as me - there's not a lot of quality players available.
"The way things are, we know we want players to improve the team - they don't have to be world superstars - just better than what we've got.
"We are 15th in the table and I think that's about right. We probably are the 15th best team - that's why I always felt deep down we'd be fine - but you still need the points on the board.
"As long as we improve on 15th next season, then that would be something."