'Players backing Sbragia for boss'

Dec 18 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

RICKY Sbragia has received the backing of the Sunderland players to become the Black Cats permanent manager – if he wants the job.

Goalkeeper Márton Fülöp has delivered a glowing character reference for the caretaker boss, highlighting Sbragia’s universal popularity in the dressing room and claiming that the Scot has restored morale and confidence since taking over from Roy Keane.

Fülöp’s praise will be noted with interest in the Sunderland boardroom, where Sbragia’s credentials are being taken increasingly seriously.

Although the club are understood to prefer two candidates currently in employment for the vacancy left by Keane’s departure earlier this month, the caretaker boss remains a credible contender for the role and the support of the players could play a part in their decision.

There is one less name on the list of candidates this morning after Sam Allardyce was appointed by Sunderland’s relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers yesterday. The former Newcastle manager showed vocal interest in the vacancy at the Stadium of Light but never received anything more than lukewarm support from the board, leading him to accept the Rovers job.

Sbragia does have support, however, not least from the players who have reacted positively to the new direction provided by the caretaker boss.

His skillful handling of a difficult situation has been admirable, and victory at the Premier League’s surprise

package Hull City over the weekend would strengthen his hand considerably.

“Ricky is doing great. He’s a fantastic coach and he got us very well organised for the two games in which he has been in charge. He’s a brilliant person to have around the place as well, and it’s very good to work with him,” said Fülöp. “He’s a popular man – I think the whole dressing room loves him – and so everyone at the club is happy to work with him in charge.

“I definitely feel that the team is in good hands. If it was up to the team to decide who the next manager was, we would give the job to Ricky straight away. He has brilliant for us since he took over.

“Everyone in the team would back him to do the job permanently, but it is not our decision. It is up to the board to decide and we’re looking forward to hearing their decision.”

The transition from backroom staff to managerial hot seat has proved problematic for some Premier League bosses, but Fülöp feels that Sbragia has managed to handle the change with skill.

Much has been made of the more relaxed atmosphere around the training ground since Keane left, with Sbragia encouraging a more jovial camp than his steely predecessor, but there is still an underlying respect for the management team.

“Ricky has changed his role, but that has not been a problem for any of us,” he said.

“When he was appointed as the caretaker, we knew that things would change. You cannot make as many jokes with him any more, but it’s not like everything goes out of the window.

“He still has a great sense of humour and we still enjoy working with him as much. Personally, I don’t think it has been a great change, although he is acting more like a manager now. He is the boss instead of being one of the lads, and we all respect that.

“The fact that he knows how everything works has made it easier for him to step in. That’s why the whole thing has worked so well. He knows the squad inside out. He has his own views on football and maybe we’ve benefited from that a bit.”

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed defender George McCartney will be out for another month after undergoing a foot operation.

“George had a minor operation and we will be without him for a little while yet,” Sbragia said.

Charlton have extended the loan of striker Martyn Waghorn for a second month.

The 18-year-old, who scored the first goal of his senior career in Charlton’s 2-2 draw with Derby earlier this week, will stay at the Valley until January 17.