SUNDERLAND, England (AP) _ Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is effectively firing himself as manager after his team lost its first four league games and was ousted from the Carling Cup by the fourth division's last club, Bury, on Tuesday.

Quinn, who led a consortium to take control of Sunderland in July, has been in temporary charge of the team. The Black Cats, which regularly attracted crowds of more than 30,000 in the Premier League, were relegated last season and are last in the League Championship.

But the former Ireland, Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland striker believes he is close to hiring a ``world-class'' coach in time for Monday's game at home to West Bromwich Albion.

``I stepped into this role because I didn't get the quality of manager I thought I would, but we are now getting very close to doing that,'' Quinn said after Tuesday's 2-0 loss at Bury.

``I'll revert back to chairman as soon as possible. I know my role is best here as chairman. Over the weekend we may have better news. I can't name names because we've nothing done yet _ but we're getting closer.''

Glenn Hoddle, who left Wolves on July 1, and David O'Leary, who was fired by Aston Villa last month, are reportedly candidates.

``We think we've somebody who will give people a big lift they need and we'll give him the budget he deserves,'' Quinn said.

``It's been hard being temporary manager. We're way behind but I'd hope for Monday's game it's 70-30 now we'll have a world-class manager in place. I've been working hard behind the scenes to get the manager in place.''