Sunderland close in on Martin O'Neill appointment

MARTIN O'NEILL Former Celtic boss O'Neill is strongly linked with the Sunderland post whenever it becomes vacant but has yet to actually make the move to Wearside. After nearly 18 months out of the game, however, the Northern Irishman may be r (GETTY IMAGES)

Martin O'Neill was deep in negotiations with Sunderland today as Sir Alex Ferguson issued a ringing endorsement of his credentials.

The 59-year-old met Black Cats chairman Ellis Short for a second time in an attempt to thrash out a deal after positive talks last night, albeit talks which broke up without an agreement in place.

Press Association Sport understands slow progress is being made as the fine details are discussed, and that negotiations could continue into the weekend.

However, if the former Northern Ireland international does finally put pen to paper, he will do so with the blessing of Manchester United boss Ferguson.

Asked about O'Neill's candidacy today, the Scot said: "Martin has a very good track record.

"The job he did at Villa Park was excellent, he did a great job at Celtic, he won the League Cup with Leicester, so Martin has got the experience and track record to do well.

"If that's the job he's going to, I'm sure he will do well."

O'Neill has been out of the game since leaving Aston Villa on less than friendly terms in August last year, but enjoys popular support in Sunderland.

His name has been on the lips of the majority of supporters whenever the post has become vacant, and they will hope the outstanding issues can be resolved swiftly to allow an appointment which would bring new hope to Wearside.

A dismal start to the season has yielded another derby defeat to Newcastle and just two victories in 13 Barclays Premier League games, the 11 points gathered leaving the Black Cats 16th in the table, only two points clear of the relegation zone.

Sunday's visit to Wolves and next weekend's clash with lowly Blackburn at the Stadium of Light will be followed by a series of more testing fixtures against Tottenham and QPR away and Everton and Manchester City at home.

Sunderland desperately need a marked upturn in fortunes to avoid heading into the new year facing a battle for top-flight survival.

However, Ferguson expressed his disappointment with the club's decision to dispense with Steve Bruce's services, and suggested unreasonable pressure had been applied by fans.

He said: "Fans just don't have the patience any longer, just see what happened to Steve Bruce up in the north east, where being a Geordie didn't help him.

"In that part of the world they are so passionate and committed to their football team and what happens the other side of the Wear means a lot to them.

"I think Brucie has suffered because of that, but that's the kind of supporters we have these days - no patience.

"He rebuilt a whole team and that requires a bit of patience from everyone, including Steve. I think Steve was realising that himself that he was going to have to wait.

"There was a complete turnaround in the summer, they lost a few players - the boy [Jordan] Henderson, the boy [Asamoah] Gyan, Anton Ferdinand, and you need that time.

"I think losing to Newcastle earlier on in the season didn't help him either because of the way they are in that part of the world, but he will be back, Steve.

"In general, his managerial record is very good."

In the meantime, Bruce's assistant Eric Black will take charge of team affairs.

He and the players received a visit from former chairman Niall Quinn, who informed them of the latest developments, at the Academy of Light this morning, and the Scot quickly turned his attention to the game at Molineux.

Black told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "It is important that everyone is focused on the game and prepares in the right manner, so that's what we will be concentrating on today and tomorrow.

"Naturally it's a difficult time for everyone at the club, but we have to be professional and get on with the job in hand."

PA