Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is happy to have a good relationship with manager Roy Keane.

Keane, who led the Black Cats to Premier League promotion in his first season in charge, and helped them stay up last season - is in the finial year of his contract.

Quinn said: "We have a very good, professional relationship; there is no doubt about that.

"But I think it is a big help that I played the game. I know straightaway that when people put constraints around talented people, it causes friction. That's not my job.

"My job isn't to watch over and have a big stick. My job is one of partnership. That is the way I see it - to give a really talented person as much structure and support as I can to help him to develop.

"Look at the two most successful clubs - Arsenal and Manchester United. There is a good relationship between the manager and the board and that can only bring stability.

"He (Keane) has been brilliant for us. We don't try to overcomplicate it."