Sunderland defender John O'Shea backs Kevin Ball to be a popular manager among the players should he take Black Cats job.
Ball is currently caretaker manager at the Stadium of Light and O'Shea has admitted that he's already made an impact of the squad after Paolo Di Canio's sacking
John O'Shea believes that Kevin Ball would be a popular appointment with the players if he was handed the Sunderland job on a permanent basis.
Ball saw his spell as interim head coach at the Stadium of Light extended on Monday as the club confirmed that he would remain in charge for Saturday's match against Manchester United.
The 48-year-old, who was initially asked to take up the reins for the Capital One Cup win over Peterborough and Sunday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool, will continue in the role as the club run the rule over a series of potential replacements for Paolo Di Canio.
Di Canio's departure from Wearside eight days ago was an acrimonious one with O'Shea confirming that the dressing room had played a part in the 45-year-old's demise.
But the Black Cats showed plenty of spirit on Sunday against the Reds and defender O'Shea would have no problem with Ball being handed the top job.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "Without a doubt, he's made an impact. If it does happen, the players would be very happy.
"But we will wait and see what the club decides."
Sunderland are continuing to evaluate a series of potential candidates for the vacancy with Gus Poyet, Rene Meulensteen and senior professional development coach Ball, who has indicated his own interest in filling the role on a permanent basis, figuring prominently in the betting.
However, chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed that discussions with several contenders have already taken place and talks with others will be held this week, and it appears an appointment is not imminent.
Ball launched his spell in charge with a 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Posh on Tuesday evening, but was unable to repeat the feat against sterner opposition on Sunday.
Sunderland played a full part in the game, but were ultimately undone by the brilliance of the returning Luis Suarez and strike-partner Daniel Sturridge.
Ball was disappointed by the result, but hugely encouraged by the performance of his players in front of the watching owner Ellis Short.
He said: "That's something that whenever you come away from the Stadium of Light, no matter who is in charge, whatever the club, we have always got to see that.
"That's something that I would drum into the players in future, we must see that all the time.
"People must go away from here, irrespective of what happens, and away from home as well knowing full well that their team has put in a shift, and today, they can say that."
John O'Shea confirms Sunderland players' revolt against Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland defender John O'Shea has confirmed that several players made a stand to call for Paolo Di Canio to lose his job as manager at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio was sacked last weekend by Sunderland 24 hours after the defeat to West Brom amid reports that a number of players led a revolt against the Italian complaining to the club's hierarchy about his style of management.
Black Cats skipper O'Shea has now admitted the players voiced their concerns to the club about Di Canio which in the end led to the Italian's sacking, with Kevin Ball stepping in as interim manager.
Asked if Sunderland's players felt something needed to be done about Di Canio's regime, O'Shea told the Shields Gazette: "That was obviously done. But we have to move on now.
"Because of the position we're in in the league, we can't keep going back to it.
"We've got some difficult months ahead.
"Whoever comes in, whether it's Bally (Kevin Ball) or a new manager, we've got tough times ahead.
"We have to stick together and if we keep going back to it, it'll soon be too hard to pull back from where we are."
JACK COLBACK insists his former academy coach Kevin Ball has the qualities needed to be a Premier League manager.
Sunderland have confirmed that caretaker boss Ball will remain in charge for Saturday’s visit of Manchester United, while the Black Cats hierarchy consider their options over a successor to the sacked Paolo Di Canio.
Gus Poyet is still the firm front-runner to succeed Di Canio, while ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is also in contention, but Ball will have another opportunity to stake his claim against the reigning Premier League champions.
Former Sunderland skipper Ball is eager to be appointed on a permanent basis, despite his experience of front-line management being limited to two temporary stints in charge of the club he has served for two decades.
And Colback, who played under Ball at Under-18 level, says the 48-year-old would gain the support of the Sunderland dressing room, if owner Ellis Short opts to appoint from within.
Colback told the Echo: “I’ve worked with Bally a lot and he’d certainly be the one person who would love the job more than anyone.
“The fans love him too.
“The decision is obviously nothing to do with me, but while he’s here, he’ll get everyone’s support and commitment.
“I think it’s obvious to see he’s got the attributes of a manager.
“As a player, he showed why he was captain of teams. He’s that sort of guy.
“He’s a leader and everyone gets fired up.
“Everyone respects him and I think that’s the most important thing. We have respect for him and he has respect for us.
“It’s made a big difference since he’s come in and the players really want to do well for him, the fans and the club.”
Colback is the second member of the Sunderland squad to back Ball’s claims after skipper John O’Shea expressed similar sentiments.
The left-back has been impressed by Ball’s impact on performances after inheriting a side languishing at the foot of the Premier League table.
And although Sunderland were unable to alter that perilous situation in Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool, Colback believes there were signs of progress.
“Obviously it didn’t work out (under Di Canio)” added the 23-year-old.
“Bally is in now and it’s been good since he took over.
“He got a good result in the cup and we went into the Liverpool game with confidence.
“We were hoping to get some points, but it didn’t happen and everyone just needs to stay positive, the fans as well.
“I know it’s difficult for them when the team is losing, but if they stick with us, we’ll certainly give 100 per cent every game.
“And I think if we played like we did in the second half for periods, then we’ll be fine.”