An important update from dependable writer Alan Nixon suggests that a “phenomenal” coach could be the future permanent manager of Sunderland.
Sunderland manager latest
The Black Cats recently parted ways with Michael Beale, who was relieved of his duties after an uninspiring short stint at the Stadium of Light.
Incredibly, the 43-year-old only lasted 12 games in charge at Sunderland, during which time his team were booed off after a woeful home defeat to Hull City in the Championship, and he found himself under scrutiny for seemingly snubbing Trai Hume after he had been substituted in the loss away to Birmingham City, too.
The search has been on to find the ideal Beale replacement since his resignation earlier this month. The Black Cats are allegedly encouraged by the possibility that Reims leader Will Still, a longtime target, may depart from his current team at the end of the current campaign.
Former Sunderland manager Alex Neil has also surfaced as a potential candidate. He has demonstrated a desire to accept the position and led the team into the Championship in 2021–2022, following their victory in the League One playoffs. For the third time, Mike Dodds is the interim manager at the moment; it is unclear if the team will continue to use him in that capacity.
Mike Dodds could become permanent Sunderland manager
Dodds may advance from caretaker manager to Sunderland’s next permanent manager, according to the trustworthy Nixon on Patreon [via Sunderland AFC News].
“At the end of the season, Michael Dodds might take over the Sunderland position. Dodds is beginning his third stint as manager of the Stadium of Light, but if things go well, he might be retained. Kristjan Speakman, the director of football, and the coach are close, and Speakman will play a significant role in the choice.”
This update may cause disagreements among Sunderland supporters because Dodds is a well-liked player among parts of the team, as Michael Proctor and Luke O’Nien recently noted.
It’s not been easy, but that was for Doddsy—the way he took charge and the knowledge he provided us with—but that was for him. They’ve been amazing, but he had a difficult time the last time he came in with Proctor. Thus, those two deserve all the praise because they are amazing individuals.”
Others, meanwhile, might prefer a more experienced manager to take over in order to provide Sunderland with the best opportunity of returning to the Premier League in the future, should the team fail to make the playoffs this year.
The next few weeks are likely to be pivotal for Dodds, with wins needed to show that he is worth taking a punt on permanently, but it is easy to see the Black Cats’ owners hiring a bigger name in the near future instead.
