Ricky Spragia: I’ve never regretted taking Sunderland job

May 21 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

RICKY Sbragia says he has “no regrets” about taking on the job of keeping Sunderland in the top flight – even though his reputation is on the line this weekend.

With the serious business of staying up still to be resolved, the Sunderland manager wisely played a straight bat to questions about his own future ahead of the crunch Stadium of Light clash with Chelsea.

But all the indications are that Sbragia is unlikely to remain as manager past the end of this campaign – even if he fulfils his brief of keeping the club in the Premier League.

He is likely to be keen on retaining a role at Sunderland, where he has the respect and support of chairman Niall Quinn, and there is talk of him returning to the coaching staff if he does leave the manager’s position.

But that matter will be left until after Sunday, when Sbragia faces the biggest test of a short and turbulent spell in charge.

After a superb start as caretaker boss that yielded two big wins against West Brom and Hull, it has proved difficult for Sbragia, who has had to bear the brunt of the criticism for some insipid performances in the run-in.

Some of those dark days would be erased from the collective memory if the Black Cats do beat Chelsea and earn the three points that would keep them in the top

flight. “When I took the job I knew the sole aim was staying in the Premier League which is what we are trying to achieve,” he said. “When I took over I would not have taken this scenario – I would have hoped to have been out of by now and I believe we should be. We only have ourselves to blame.

“But it is still in our hands, we are not depending on anyone but ourselves and on Sunday I hope to rectify it and get a win. Everything stops and starts with me – simple as that. I never blame the players, everything is down to me.

“I know what I have taken on and what I had to do and hopefully by Sunday I will have achieved that. But just now we are in limbo, we can’t really plan anything until 6pm on Sunday and then everything changes. One thing I do know, if we do stay up I will have a few jars!”

He added: “I know what’s at stake but I don’t regret taking it (the job). There are not many Premier League managers – it is hard work; it is enjoyable when you are winning, but really hard when you lose.

“When you get opportunity you don’t turn it down. I could have ducked it but I would have regretted it to be honest with you.”

The Black Cats may have to tackle Chelsea without Steed Malbranque, who has a hip injury. He is rated “50-50” to play after suffering a knock at Portsmouth.