Keane leaves Sunderland
Roy Keane has left Sunderland with the club third from bottom in the table.
With the former Manchester United midfielder questioning his ability to arrest the slump, it was decided on Thursday the two parties should split.
First-team coach Ricky Sbragia will take over team affairs on an interim basis, assisted by reserve-team coach Neil Bailey and senior player Dwight Yorke, starting at United on Saturday.
Quinn praise for Keane
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has hailed Roy Keane's character after the Irishman stepped down as manager.
Keane decided to quit having admitted he was not sure if he could turn the struggling Black Cats around.
Quinn said: "Roy's decision sums up his desire to do what is best for the club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself."
Quinn: Roy reached end
Roy Keane resigned as Sunderland boss after deciding he had taken the club as far as he could, Niall Quinn believes.
Keane's 27-month reign drew to a close when Black Cats chairman Quinn reluctantly accepted his decision.
Quinn said: "I tried to keep as much pressure off him as possible, but the Premier League is the Premier League and it came to the point where Roy felt he had reached the end of the journey."
Brown out of Cats frame
Hull boss Phil Brown has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Sunderland's manager's job.
Brown, 49, was quickly installed as one of the favourites to succeed Roy Keane, but insists he is happy with the Tigers and is under contract until 2011.
Brown told Sky Sports: "What's gone on at Sunderland is nothing to do with me. My intention is to make sure Hull's next couple of years are proud ones."
Bruce - Game the poorer
Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes Roy Keane's departure from Sunderland is a sad day for the game.
Bruce has remained in touch with his former Manchester United team-mate since their days at Old Trafford, and was taken by surprise by the news.
He said: "Football is a better place when Roy is in it. He is a great football person. He loves football and it beats him up when he loses."