Ability is priority for Quinn.

Byline: BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn says he will appoint who he thinks is the right man for the vacant manager's job, regardless of their background.

The Irishman and his fellow directors have drawn up a shortlist of candidates to succeed Roy Keane and are expected to begin the recruitment process in earnest over the next few days.

But writing in his programme notes before yesterday's Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light, Quinn said ability alone would determine the board's choice.

He said: "In the best interests of the club, I have to have an open mind when it comes to appointing the right person.

"I won't be closing the door on anyone because of who they have or haven't played for or managed.

"I only have to look out of my office window at the statue of Bob Stokoe to see that. Bob was a former Newcastle player but was very definitely the right man at the right time for Sunderland.

"What we need for the manager's job here is ability, so negatives about where people have come from are irrelevant."

Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce continues to lead the way in the betting stakes, although it is understood that, while he is a serious candidate, he does not enjoy the same level of favouritism in the Sunderland boardroom. Rangers coach Ally McCoist has became the latest man to rule himself out of the running, following Phil Brown, Steve McClaren, Gerard Houllier and Co Adriaanse.

But Quinn has been impressed by the way coach Ricky Sbragia had taken on the responsibility on a caretaker basis and hinted he could have a say in what happens. He said: "One person the board have not discounted is Ricky Sbragia.

Ricky and the staff had a terrific response from the players at Manchester United and the prevalent feeling at the club is that people are enjoying themselves."

CAPTION(S):

QUIT: Roy Keane