In order to determine Michael Beale’s long-term replacement, SUNDERLAND has conducted interviews with potential head coaches and is currently getting ready for a series of formal interviews.
Sunderland’s hierarchy was eager to make sure they didn’t rush to appoint Beale’s replacement, so Black Cats bosses had what sporting director Kristjaan Speakman called a “conscious period of reflection” following his problematic tenure ending in February.
Despite Sunderland’s dismal recent performance, Mike Dodds was placed in caretaker leadership for the second time this season and will remain in that role until the end of the campaign. The Black Cats must put an end to their current losing streak in their two games this Easter weekend—a trip to Cardiff City on Good Friday and a home match against struggling Blackburn on Easter Monday—even though they are still nine points above the relegation zone.
Speakman and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the owner, support Dodds and are still evaluating their options in anticipation of announcing a permanent appointment in the summer.
Although Beale, Tony Mowbray, and Alex Neil were unemployed when they were hired, Speakman hasn’t ruled out approaching a head coach who is currently employed. He did, however, acknowledge that “there was a little correlation between a compensation fee and future success” and that “there are simply too many variables” during a recent meeting with the Supporters’ Collective.
At the meeting earlier this month, Speakman gave an update on the manager search, revealing that Sunderland “are now engaging in meetings with prospective head coaches.” Formal interviews and a decision will follow this.
Will Still, the manager of Reims, was a major factor in Sunderland’s thoughts following Mowbray’s departure and is still being considered by the team. The 31-year-old recently acknowledged that he would be open to accepting a position in the Championship because he is desperate to manage in England.
Danny Rohl, who has led Sheffield Wednesday to remarkable success since late last year, is reportedly on Sunderland’s radar as well.
Speakman confirmed that the successful candidate this summer will be permitted to bring their own backroom team with them. Beale came alone, and his coaching staff consisted of employees who worked for the club already.
The Black Cats will allow the new head coach to be accompanied by their own backroom staff “providing it was an appropriate recommendation,” but Dodds will almost certainly play a significant role in the coaching setup come summer. Speakman continued, “The club are also keen to maintain consistency and continuity across football operations, as like new ideas, input and people, this will aid success.”
Speakman is adamant that the club’s recruitment strategies will involve input from the new head coach. The following is stated in the minutes of the Supporters’ Collective meeting: “The club’s ownership group and board of directors set the strategy and designate a sporting director to oversee this division of the organisation.
“A head coach is then appointed on a very transparent set of principles and as a member of the leadership team, is involved in every of the stage of the player recruitment process.”
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