Richardson wants Sbragia to stay

Sunderland ace Kieran Richardson has backed Ricky Sbragia to remain manager of The Black Cats.

Sunderland will face Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Monday and a victory will guarantee their Premier League status.

Reports suggest Sbragia could be axed at the end of the season, due to poor results.

“It’s been a mixed bag this season, a lot of ups and downs, and obviously a new manager as well,” Richardson told Setanta Sports.

“We’ve got the players to be aiming much higher, but it hasn’t happened this season.

“We’ve got everything in place to be hitting top six in The Premier League, the gaffer will enhance the squad, we’ve got the stadium, the fans, everything.

“I definitely want Ricky to remain manager, he’s done a good job. All the lads have taken to him and, if he keeps us in The Premier League, that was always his target.

“If he manages it, he’s achieved his goal.”

[Source: Setanta Sports]