Roy Keane has walked away from his role as manager of Sunderland.

Roy Keane has this morning parted company with Sunderland football club.

Following a string of six defeats in the last seven games, there has been much speculation about the Irishman continuing in his role at the club.

We reported earlier this week that Keane was questioning his position ROY KEANE - AM I RIGHT FOR SUNDERLAND? , it’s now been confirmed that Keane has walked away from the club.

Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn told the club’s official website:

First of all on behalf of everyone here I would like pay thanks to Roy Keane for all his hard work in progressing this club, lifting its status and growing its worldwide profile.

Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League. His winning mentality and singled mindedness were just what this club needed when Drumaville took over shortly before his arrival.

Roy’s decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.

The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future.

Keane joined Sunderland 2006 and pushed Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League in his first season. Sunderland are currently third from bottom of the Premier League, having lost 8 games so far this term and collected just 15 points.