Keane takes over as manager of Sunderland

Former Manchester United and Ireland captain Roy Keane was officially announced as manager of ailing second division club Sunderland yesterday.

The 35-year-old signed a three-year contract after watching Sunderland's 2-0 home win against West Bromwich Albion which gave them their first points in five games this season.

"This represents a major coup for our football club," chairman Niall Quinn, Keane's former international team-mate, told reporters.

"The fact that one of the most influential figures in the world of football is willing to come and help unlock the massive potential here should make all Sunderland fans very happy and excited for the future.

"Roy Keane's standards of professionalism are legendary and his desire and determination to succeed are precisely what this club requires," added Quinn.

It is former midfielder Keane's first managerial position after ending his 18-year playing career, which also included spells at Nottingham Forest and Celtic, in June.

Quinn had been working in the dual role of manager and chairman after a consortium he led bought a controlling interest in the club last month.

Renowned for his indomitable will to win and rugged tackling, Keane played a pivotal part in Manchester United's success after joining from Nottingham Forest in 1993 for a then British transfer record of £3.75 million.

He won seven league titles and four FA Cups with United, and was team captain until his departure last year following a disagreement with manager Alex Ferguson.