Keane leaves Sunderland

Sunderland have confirmed manager Roy Keane has left the club after two years in charge. The 37-year-old has been under pressure following a dismal run of form which has seen the Wearsiders slip into the Premier League relegation zone. The former Manchester United captain guided Sunderland to promotion from the Championship in 2007 but they have only won one of their last seven games. Keane is understood to have been locked in talks with the club's hierarchy after weeks of rumours that his time as manager could be drawing to a close and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season. Following Saturday's 4-1 home thumping by Bolton, Keane admitted that he was not sure he was the best man to manage the club. Keane, who was appointed in August 2006, has had unprecedented financial backing - of more than £60 million - by the Sunderland board.

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ITN | December 4, 2008

Tags:. .hierarchy. .relegation. .dismal. .thumping. .sunderland