ROY KEANE'S RESIGNATION:WHILE several of the transfer fees for players brought to Sunderland by Roy Keane were undisclosed, it is estimated he spent €90 million on new blood since his arrival at the club in August 2006, with goalkeeper Craig Gordon his most expensive single purchase.

Few of his signings, however, have proved to be a success, with three released, three more sold within a year of their arrival, eight senior players now out on loan with lower division clubs (with the exception of Paul McShane, who has stayed in the Premier League with Hull City) and several more, including Rade Prica and Jean-Yves Mvoto, yet to make an appearance this season.

David Healy is one of the many Keane recruits who appeared to fall out of favour almost as soon as he arrived. Greg Halford was another, currently out on loan, who lost his manager's confidence almost upon his arrival.

Of his Irish signings only Andy Reid sees regular first-team football these days, while Liam Miller is reduced to the occasional appearance as a sub.

Graham Kavanagh and David Connolly played their part in Sunderland's promotion, but have rarely figured since.