Roy Keane believes Sunderland have been successful this season because chairman Niall Quinn has left him to his own devices.

Keane crowned his first season as a manager by leading the Wearsiders to the Coca-Cola Championship title thanks to their 5-0 win at relegated Luton while their closest challengers Birmingham drew 1-1 with Preston in yesterday's final round of matches.

Quinn's decision early in the season to appoint his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Keane has paid off spectacularly, but Keane insists the team have prospered because he was granted the autonomy he craved.

Keane said: "Niall and the board are the team behind the team. Niall and the board do not interfere, and that is why it has worked.

"It would not have done otherwise. It is nice to go up as champions, and there is a massive challenge ahead. I will meet Niall and the board next week, and we will look at what kind of money is available.

"There are a few players at the back of my mind who I would like to bring to the club but that is just the start. Signing them is sometimes easier said than done.

"They are good players, at good clubs, and they are under contract. You have to set your standards very high, and we will have to raise the bar next season. It is going to be very hard, and I am not predicting we will win it, but I predict we will add something to the Premiership."