New Top Cat marks his territory

Speaking for the first time as manager of Sunderland today, Roy Keane outlined modest targets for the immediate future at the club but admitted he had a substantial list of players he will be sounding out to join the Black Cats cause.

The former Manchester United captain took over the Black Cats following their 2-0 victory against West Brom yesterday which lifted the side off the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship.

He praised the players for their effort against the Baggies while offering a word of warning about the commitment he will be seeking from his charges.

His trademark steely glare never faltered when he declared that there will be no problem if the players give everything for the club.

"All that's expected is people give 100 per cent," he insisted. "I only criticised if people were slack and not focused. I spoke with the players this morning and reassured them that if they give 100 per cent, there will not be a problem. If people take their eye of the ball, there will be a problem - it's straightforward."

For now, and for once maybe, he has no axe to grind, because: "The players and staff deserve their chance."

Keane has never been one to allow someone completely relax though, so for good measure he revealed that he has a 'wish list' to be studied and acted upon.

"I have a few players in mind that I'd like to get in. I'll try not to get in a panic situation. I've got a list of 15, 20 players and we'll see what happens. Some players might not want to come, hopefully that won't be the case."

"If I get anyone in it's a bonus but hopefully we can bring a bit more to the club," he added.

That bit more may come from his old stamping ground as the Corkman dropped a massive hint to old boss Alex Ferguson when he quipped he may be on the phone soon enough to secure a few loan moves.

In terms of saying what the fans want to hear, the Black Cats faithful should know by now that Keane is not one to effuse sentimental sound-bites in any situation.

"Sunderland is a big club, with a beautiful stadium, a big fan base and I thought 'why not?"', was his response to the inevitable 'why here and why now?' questions.

It was an offer that Keane had some time to think about.  He was approached three months ago by the Drumaville Consortium and Niall Quinn - with whom he insists he has mended a once bitter relationship.

"Three months ago I spoke with the owners and Niall but my priority at that time was to start working on getting my coaching badge in July and August," said the 35-year-old.

"In that time they didn't get a manager. They came back in last Monday when I was in Portugal and initially I thought I was going to wait longer. But I thought 'what am I waiting for, the challenge is there'.

One person who isn't there is Brain Kidd.  Keane did contact his former assistant boss at United but his advances were rebuffed, for now.

"I spoke with Brian last week, he's got a lot of family commitments at the moment and we've moved on, but I've left the door open for him," said Keane.

Quinn sat alongside his new manager beaming with forecasts of what could be at the drastically restructured club."I feel very proud the club can attract a figure such as Roy - he brings everything that can lift this club to where it should be.

"He's the safest bet of every manager put in front of me - all the lights came on with Roy Keane's name - it became an obvious choice," the Dubliner added.

But then, he has to say that, doesn't he?