EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland back Sbragia but line up helping hand to beat drop

14 April 2009 13:57
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is to stand by embattled manager Ricky Sbragia despite rumours Alan Curbishley is to be drafted in, Sportsmail can reveal. A source close to the Black Cats chief says he is determined to give Sbragia every chance, but accepts there may be a need to make changes if results do not improve. Sunderland sit one place and two points above the relegation zone with six games to play. The source said: 'Of course Niall is concerned about the position the team finds themselves in but he was heartened by the performance against Manchester United (a narrow 2-1 defeat on Saturday). 'But his patience will only stretch so far. He will be forced to consider Sbragia's position if they lose to Hull on Saturday.' One possibility is that a more experienced manager will be brought in to work alongside Sbragia, 52, who was a respected coach before taking the reins from Roy Keane in December.

Source: Daily_Mail