Its only October '06 and Sunderland's chances of return to the English Premier League in 2007 were about as good as Pascal Cygan regrowing hair. Sunderland had barely any wins and a handful of losses, which lead to Sunderland sitting a few rows from last in the Championship. Something needed to change and a change is what happened. An Irishman was hired. "Oh no, that's not going to help" you might of said, but it did help; it helped a whole bloody lot.
Sunderland finished the season as champions and were elevated into the first flight, all thanks to one Irishman. Roy Keane played over 300 games for Manchester United and scored 33 goals, not to mention captaining them to many trophies. Sunderland thought they would give him a go as their coach and at the time Nial Quinn was coaching, as well as William Gallas being captain. One of Keanes first changes as coach was signing a group of talented players, which included the likes of Dwight Yorke, Liam Miller, and Ross Wallace.
Sunderland did not lose another home game that season under Keane and finished the season first with 27 wins, seven draws, and 12 losses. They scored an impressive 76 goals and and only conceded an even more impressive 47 goals. He also scooped up "Manager of the Month" in February and March '07 and "Championship Manager of the Year" to capp it off.
Sunderland then entered the 2007-2008 season with high hopes. They had a sturdy squad and a fine coach, but could they last? Sunderland had a mixed season as they were thrashed by feeble Everton 7-1, which Keane said, "It was the lowest point of my career."
They also signed the likes of Kieran Richardson, Phil Bardsely, and Danny Higginbotham. But, Keane was hailed too strict when he put Liam Miller, one of the more consistent and experienced players, on the transfer list for being late to training on too many occasions.
But, it didn't matter as Sunderland finished a solid (for Sunderland) 15th, which meant another season in the Premier League and that Roy Keane was looking like a wonder manager.
But this season, it's starting to turn. Sunderland has been disappointing, despite their run of form. Roy Keane can boast a talented squad that contains the likes of Steed Malbranque, Dibril Cisse, Teemu Taino, Kenwyne Jones, Pascal Chimbonda, El Had Diouf, and the most expensive keeper in English history, Craig Gordon.
But, is he a great coach or has his prestige and his history with Manchester allowed him to buy players and create a great squad with a not so great manager?
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