Although Sunderland were relegated from the Premiership in 2006 with a record-low 15 points, things were looking when an Irish consortium headed by former centre forward Niall Quinn assumed control at the Stadium of Light. But Quinn could not find a manager, and with himself as manager and chairman, Sunderland loost their first five games. Then Quinn persuaded his former Irish team-mate Roy Keane to take over and they beat West Bromwich Albion. Keane signed as manager and the ex-Manchester United hard-man has led the charge up the league since.