Quinn's departure won't affect Bruce

London: Niall Quinn's decision to step down as Sunderland chairman will not have any immediate ramifications for Steve Bruce's future as manager. Quinn, who will focus on developing the club's international links, decided to end his five-year stint at the helm, with the owner Ellis Short agreeing to take control of the day-to-day running of Sunderland.

The move has been discussed for several months, although it appears to have been brought forward with the restructuring initially due to happen next summer. Club sources have strenuously denied Quinn's decision is an indication he wants to sever ties following reports he is in line to become Manchester City's new chief executive.

The Daily Telegraph also understands Bruce is relaxed about the changes and does not feel his job is under any threat because of Quinn's departure. The main stumbling block had been persuading Short to take over as chairman rather than bring someone in from outside, with Quinn unwilling to step down until the American agreed to replace him. Short has owned the club for almost three years, but initially wanted to draw on Quinn's football expertise to advise him on playing matters as he focused on the business side of things.

"I can assure our fans that it's the same group of people continuing to lead the club," said Short, mindful of the uncertainty the change might bring.

"With [Uefa] financial fair play rules coming into effect it is essential for the long-term success of the club that we develop interests on a global scale and there's no one better than Niall to sell the ethos of Sunderland to an international audience.

"Assuming the position of chairman is a great honour and I will treat the role as guardian of this club with the utmost respect."

— The Telegraph Group Limited, London 2011