Sunderland boss Roy Keane has suggested that after a hectic first year in management he feels he may be in a position to start enjoying his new role in the game.

The Corkman initially suggested after taking on his current position that management was a poor substitute for playing. Having transformed his side's fortunes, however, and won promotion to the Premiership at the first attempt, there are clear signs that the former Manchester United midfielder is warming to the task.

"I was comparing a lot of being a manager to when I was a player," he says. "It's a million miles away - the difference is unbelievable. But maybe the more experience I get, the more I enjoy it.

"When I took the job, with the transfer deadline approaching and everything else there was that much going on I didn't have time to take it all in, never mind enjoy it. But I don't think it will ever be as hectic as it was last season, especially in the months after I took the job."

Predictably, he declines to dwell on what was achieved last season and suggests that the target now is to succeed at the higher level.

"It was nice to reflect on the achievement of last year. I just like winning football matches, that's what motivates me, but I've quickly moved on from the success, I did it as a player. Getting promotion is history now."

A strong indication of Sunderland's appeal here these days has been provided by ticket sales for the club's three-match pre-season tour which gets under way next month.

Only Bohemians, who have packaged the game with one against Wolves (charging €50 for an adult to sit in the main stand for both matches) and opted to sell them through Ticketmaster, have any sort of significant numbers of tickets left.

Around 2,000 of the 7,700 seats at Dalymount for the July 28th fixture have yet to be sold although the club is confident that those will go over the coming weeks as Keane starts to generate publicity by adding to his squad.

Sales for the Cork City game two days later are currently restricted to season ticket holders who have until July 20th to purchase seats although some tickets are also available through the Munster Football Association who organised the event. Profits from this game have been specifically earmarked for improvements to Turner's Cross.

Galway's meeting with the English Championship winners on August 1st is sold out with the 5,000 available tickets having gone quickly.

United are using the occasion to mark the opening of their new stand, a fundraiser taking place the night before, which Niall Quinn and other Sunderland officials are due to attend, has also sold extremely well.

The games will all be televised live by TG4.