Spell at 'crisis club' Sunderland won't stain Chris Coleman's reputation as he looks to bounce back

And his former Wales assistant Osian Roberts believes his spell at Sunderland won't stain his reputation because of the wider 'deep-rooted' issues facing the Black Cats.

Roberts has described Sunderland as a club in 'crisis' and has backed Coleman to make a speedy return to management.

Coleman, unable to keep Sunderland in the Championship, was sacked on Sunday morning, shortly before it was announced the club had been sold by Ellis Short to a consortium led by Stewart Donald.

"The problems are deep-rooted at the club," Roberts told BBC Sport Wales.

"Naturally I'm disappointed for Chris and Kit [Symons].

"It was a very difficult situation Chris went into and I felt at the time that if anybody was capable of turning it around it was Chris. Unfortunately it was not to be.

"The club is in a crisis and it's going to take some time for them to get out of that.

"Chris is not going to be at the helm to do that, but I have no doubts whatsoever he will be in a managerial role very soon - this summer I would expect - because, given the right scenario, he will be a success.

"Chris has proved himself that, given the right tools, given the right circumstances, he can be a success at club level.

"I can't see why any chairman or owner would think this is would be a stain on his CV.

"He will be anxious now and enthusiastic - once the disappointment has gone - about getting back into a managerial role and proving, with the right set of circumstances, that he will be successful," added Roberts, who has remained Wales assistant coach under Ryan Giggs.