REPORT: Niall Quinn unlikely to cross paths with the Black Cats once more

Niall Quinn is probably better clear of all that.

The current carry-on at Sunderland would probably be beyond even Quinn, the man who tried his damnedest to broker peace in Saipan. The club is looking for a new CEO after the mess made of the Adam Johnson saga over the last few months. Irishwoman Margaret Byrne quit her role last week following revelations she knew that Johnson intended to plead guilty to charges in his recent case of grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Despite the knowledge, he was still available for selection for the first-team. It was reported over the weekend that Quinn was being lined up to replace the Irishwoman, but this morning that seems unlikely. The Sunderland Echo suggest that Quinn's relationship with Ellis Short was strained before the chairman's departure four years ago, and even though they have since smoothed things over, it is unlikely both men would be able to work together again. While the Black Cats might see the return of Quinn as a way to win back support after a disastrous few months the Dubliner, who left in 2012, may not be so keen to deal with the aftermath of the Johnson shambles.