Source: Daily_Mail
Quinn gives Short shrift to Keane's criticism of Sunderland money man
Sunderland [LNB]chairman Niall Quinn has leaped to the defence of the club's major investor Ellis Short following criticism of his role from bitter former boss Roy Keane.[LNB]Keane claimed this week that Short's interference curbed his enthusiasm for the Wearside club, who have been guided away from relegation trouble by his former first team coach Ricky Sbragia.[LNB]Defence: Niall Quinn has backed the financier behind Sunderland[LNB] But Quinn says without the investment from the Irish-American investor Sunderland would not have been able to keep Kenwyne Jones, or add the likes of Djibril Cisse, Anton Ferdinand, Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio and George McCartney during Keane's £50million summer spending spree.[LNB]In the latest twist in the war of words between Keane and his former chairman and Ireland team-mate Quinn, the Sunderland chairman insisted publicity-shy Short, who has seen just three Sunderland matches this season, is happy to keep a distance from the Stadium of Light board.[LNB]Quinn said: 'Ellis Short's money was responsible for the three Spurs players, Ferdinand and McCartney coming to the club, as well as Djibril's loan fee. We were able to bring all of them in because of Ellis Short.[LNB]'The original Drumaville investors had the option of being bought out, of taking Ellis's money, but they said no. They wanted to dilute the shares so that his money could be used on players. So his money was vital.[LNB]'Sunderland fans won't understand how much because he doesn't like publicity. And he has options to take more of a stake than he currently has over a period of time and that will again go on investment in players.[LNB]'He doesn't tell us what to do. He supports but he likes to see us being intelligent and slick about our business and the disposal of some excess players was a help to us economically and also to the dressing room.[LNB]'The club has never had the sort of backing before that he is providing now and we will have it as long as we are showing ourselves to be a smart outfit.'[LNB] Quinn: Sunderland are 'thrilled' by progress made under new boss Sbragia[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Smiles better at Sunderland with Ricky instead of Roy[LNB]SUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB]
