Sbragia keen to extend contract

Mar 3 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SUNDERLAND boss Ricky Sbragia has confirmed he will look to extend his contract in the summer if he keeps the Black Cats in the Premier League.

The Wearsiders have spent the past week fending off the rumour that Sbragia is merely a stop-gap solution while they look for a more experienced candidate to take over this summer, and now the manager himself has talked about the importance of “continuity” at Sunderland.

After his team face Liverpool at Anfield tonight, Sbragia will hold a meeting about the club’s summer recruitment plans as the manager looks to the future.

And in the clearest indication yet that Sbragia sees himself as the long-term solution, his plans will include bringing in another coach and looking to extend his 18-month deal – provided the Black Cats hit the 40-point relegation safety tally.

But he has laughed off weekend reports linking Peter Reid with a director of football role, saying that he is comfortable with Niall Quinn continuing to assume the responsibilities which that job entails.

“We're trying for continuity at Sunderland, putting things into place that I think should be done,” Sbragia said.

“If we stay up, we will talk again in the summer regarding the contract. I've got to plan as if I'll be here for years and I can't think short term, plus we have to plan the recruitment side.

“I know there's not that great amount of continuity up top but there can be. I've got great communication lines with Niall and that’s made it easier for me. We talk about what I want and need and how things can change, and we've got a meeting on Wednesday regarding recruitment – who we need and who we've earmarked.

“I would hope we can put things into place if we stay up. It's going to take time but the nucleus of people that we have got here will do well for the club.”