Former chairman Niall Quinn quitting Sunderland

Former chairman Niall Quinn is quitting Sunderland after a six-year stint at the Premier League club.

The former Sunderland and Ireland forward had been director of international development since October, when he stepped aside to allow American businessman Ellis Short become chairman.

The northeast England club says Quinn will return to his native Ireland "to concentrate on his family and business interests outside football.''

Sunderland is ninth in the Premier League, well clear of relegation.

Quinn says "it gives me a huge sense of pride to see where Sunderland is today.''