Roy Keane Reveals Niall Quinn Issue That Led To Four Year Standoff With Sunderland

Roy Keane Reveals Niall Quinn Issue That Led To Four Year Standoff With Sunderland

While sacking managers has become an increasingly common part of professional football, such moves can often lead to a bit of conflict for those involved. That is something Roy Keane experienced during his time at Sunderland, a spell that came to an end with his exit in December of 2008.

It is assumed that managers are paid off the remainder of their contract when losing their jobs, although that is not always necessarily the case. Clauses can be inserted that only guarantee a certain amount of money in the event of a coach getting sacked.

There are also cases where clubs will do their best to avoid paying out money that is potentially owed.

Roy Keane Reveals Niall Quinn Issue That Led To Standoff With Sunderland

Roy Keane left Sunderland midway through his third season in charge of the club, agreeing an exit package with chairman Niall Quinn at the time.

However, the Cork man would then become involved in a battle that lasted over four years as he sought the money he felt was owed to him.

Speaking on Stick To Football, Keane recalled how then owner Ellis Short did his best to withhold the money he was owed due to the way the package was negotiated at the time.

“You think about getting sacked, that’s just the start of it. People are trying to get their few bob.

Sunderland with me went on for about four-and-a-half years with owners and Ellis Short…

It was because of who done the deal. Niall [Quinn] had done the deal with my solicitor. It was amicable, there was a few bob here and there.

Then he was saying Niall didn’t have the jurisdiction to do it, even though Niall was the chairman. That was the problem. They’re finding the excuses.

That termination bit (wasn’t in the contract). There was a fee agreed and you would shake hands and go your separate ways.

It’s that word ‘amicable’ isn’t it? That’s where it gets messy.