Sunderland AFC news: Mannone on impact of relegation, ex-Cats midfielder in for Aston Villa job

Sunderland No 1 Vito Mannone has lifted the lid on what relegation to the Championship would mean to the club and its staff.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Apr 2016, 11:06 BST
Updated 6th Apr 2016, 11:11 BST

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Vito Mannone in action for SunderlandVito Mannone in action for Sunderland
Vito Mannone in action for Sunderland

In an emotional interview with the Echo, the Italian goalkeeper says the squad is fully aware that jobs are on the line both on and off the pitch if Sunderland drop into the Championship.

"Anyone who is intelligent will understand that going into the Championship will mean there might have to be some cuts at the club," said Mannone.

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"I love this club, and for my career and, for everyone involved in the club, it is vital we come out of this.

"I mean that for everyone. From the office, from the training ground, from the stadium – everyone.

"I don’t want anyone to lose their job, so I know how important this is for this club and for everyone who works here."

Click here to read Vito Mannone's revealing interview in full:Meanwhile, former Black Cats midfielder Dwight Yorke is set to apply for the vacant Aston Villa job.

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Yorke scored 97 goals in 292 appearances for Villa between 1989 and 1998.

"They have tried experience, they have tried unknown managers, and they haven't got it right," Yorke told talkSPORT.

"I have the feeling they may go for experience. I do believe experience counts for a lot of things but sometimes you need someone with the know-how of a football club and someone who can bring a spark back to the club.

"And what people fail to realise is that I have won the Championship.

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"The only time I have played outside the Premier League I won it with Sunderland so I have got a great understanding of what the Championship is as a player.

"So, not only am I familiar with the players, and the whole culture and history of Aston Villa Football Club, but I am familiar with the Championship.

"I will apply [for the job] and I am doing that as we speak. I hope they will at least give me an interview."

And finally, young winger Rees Greenwood has been tipped for a big future after recently making his debut for England Under-20s.

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Sunderland Under-21 boss Andy welsh said: "We’ve had some very good feedback, and his next stage now is to finish the season as he’s doing.

"And then next season look to involve him as much as we can in the first-team area.

"Hopefully he’ll do that. He certainly has the quality."

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Related topics:SunderlandSunderland AFCAston Villa