PL managerial merry-go-round

Roy Keane's resignation at the Stadium of Light was hardly a shock yesterday after a week of rumbling unrest, although you have to ask why? Keane looked to be under no undue pressure from his Board despite the arrival of a new large shareholder. Niall Quinn would surely have provided any guarantees he needed about his position. Indeed, Quinn's eulogy to his fellow Irishman yesterday could hardly have been more fullsome and it bordered on sycophantic.

The Sunderland faithful may have been disappointed so far with their showing having spent heavily during the Summer but there have hardly been ringing chants of "Keane out!" Sunderland find themselves third bottom but the Premeir League is so tight below the top spots that they are only five points from 9th and a win at home to Bolton on Saturday would have seen them comfortably out the drop zone. There is talk that he has lost the dressing room and the 4-1 home reverse to Bolton must have been a slap in the face but Roy's decision to walk makes him look like a quitter to me. I can't see him packing management in so you have to wonder what he thinks he's doing.

The vacancy at Sunderland looks taylor-made for Big Sam. He's a top northern manager and has the experience of a disappointing spell at Newcastle which he will be determined to prove was more down to them than him. It is a much better prospect than the Charlton job, so expect him to find employment there before we make any decision about Parky. Curbs is also being linked with the Sunderland post but I just can't see him going north of Birmingham even if the Black Cats would represent the sort of challenge and size of club he's looking for.

Paul Ince looks like the next PL casualty. As another ex Old Trafford "legend" in the same mould as Keane, Ince's first top flight managerial position is not working out.He took over from Sparky Hughes at a time when Blackburn were on a couple of season high so it was always going to be a hard task. They have won just one in the last eleven and have lost the last four in succession. On Saturday they entertain Liverpool and a reverse here might tip Ince over the edge.  I could never understand the hype that surrounded his entry into management and I am sure that's what got him the job at Blackburn despite a season's success with MK Dons. Not someone I'd ever want to see at the Valley.