Former Manchester United and Ireland midfielder Roy Keane has resigned from Sunderland after three days of negotiations following their losing the last 5 out of 6 and slipping into the Relegation zone in the Barclay’s Premiership standings.

Via Yahoo

After taking charge of the Black Cats back in 2006, Keane took Sunderland from 23rd place in the Coca-Cola Championship to winning the league and gaining promotion back into the Premiership in his first year.

Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn said: “Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League.

His winning mentality and singled mindedness were just what this Club needed when Drumaville took over shortly before his arrival.

“Roy’s decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always 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.”

Keane was in charge of Sunderland for 100 matches.