The Caretaker – Stop Gap or Real Deal? By Andrew Walker.

The supporters of Newcastle United and Sunderland may not like to compare their respective clubs, but they are united by a current theme – caretaker managers. But the two clubs have taken different approaches to their caretakers in 2008.

Mike Ashley initially appointed Joe Kinnear on a month-to-month contract, which has since been extended to the end of the season. For Kinnear, it has represented something of a no-lose situation – the chance to put his hat back in the ring as a top-flight manager after an extended absence.

By contrast, Niall Quinn has committed to Ricky Sbragia by way of an 18-month contract. On paper, some backing for an unproven manager.

The nature of Sbragia’s appointment draws comparisons with Avram Grant’s spell at Chelsea last season – a relative unknown, mid season, stepping into the sizeable shoes of an iconic figure. Like Sbragia, Chelsea announced that Grant was a permanent appointment, handing him a four-year deal.

Grant did better than many expected, guiding Chelsea to within two points of the Premiership, and just the thickness of a Russian post from Champions League glory. But that was not enough to save his job, the Israeli making way for big-name boss ‘Big Phil’ Scolari.

There is a strong sense that Grant was never likely to remain beyond the end of last season, regardless of results; that Chelsea’s public backing of a longer contract was nothing more than a smokescreen.

Could the same be true of Ricky Sbragia? It can be difficult to secure the ‘right’ manager mid-season, and Niall Quinn may have targets in mind who will not become available until the summer. In the meantime, Sbragia represents a safe pair of hands, and no doubt an inexpensive one at that.

But if the caretaker were only offered a short-term contract, it might be seen to unsettle fans and players alike. This might explain the longer deal.

After an impressive start, Sbragia tasted the harsh realities of top-flight management with a resounding 3-0 defeat against Everton. How will he do in the New Year? Time will tell. But even if he steers Sunderland to mid-table security, don’t be surprised if he is eased out in the summer to be replaced by a more familiar name.