Keane hails Quinn after title win

Roy Keane believes Sunderland have been successful this season because chairman Niall Quinn has left him to his own devices.

Keane crowned his first season as a manager by leading the Wearsiders to the Coca-Cola Championship title thanks to their 5-0 win at relegated Luton yesterday, achieved thanks to a double from Daryl Murphy and further strikes from Anthony Stokes and substitutes Ross Wallace and David Connolly.

Quinn's decision early in the season to appoint his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Keane has paid off spectacularly, but Keane insists the team have prospered because he was granted the autonomy he craved.

Keane said: 'Niall and the board are the team behind the team. Niall and the board do not interfere, and that is why it has worked.

'It would not have done otherwise.'