Why is it taking so long for Sunderland to find a new manager? The key reasons explored

The scale of the task awaiting the new Sunderland manager cannot be underestimated.
David MoyesDavid Moyes
David Moyes

Pre-season, transfer and contract plans may be underway but the latter two in particular will need instant and significant attention.

Time is of the essence, and so it is little wonder that the prolonged search is beginning to frustrate. After such a woeful season, uncertainty and drift was the last thing Sunderland fans needed to see.

Garry MonkGarry Monk
Garry Monk

So what is delaying the process?

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The Black Cats have been insistent right from the moment David Moyes resigned that they would take their time, that an appointment of such magnitude should not be rushed.

Few would take issue with that, given how poorly Sunderland have appointed in recent years, even if the debacle that was last season owed so much to the prolonged departure of Sam Allardyce weeks before the season began.

That was out of Sunderland’s hands, but this time it is not. Despite his repeated statements that he would stay, Moyes’ resignation was no real surprise and there must have been a provisonal plan in place as to where they should go next.

Garry MonkGarry Monk
Garry Monk

The profile of the new manager desired is clear, no job for a novice, experience preferable, free agents the jackpot.

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One issue is that Sunderland are operating in the same market as sides better funded, more stable and with far greater prospects for next season. That has perhaps made it difficult to chase primary targets, many of whom will be keeping an eye on developments in the Premier League.

With Crystal Palace and Southampton seemingly on the look out for a new boss, the likes of Garry Monk may be reluctant to commit to or engage seriously with a Championship side while those jobs are still open.

Those posts themselves could have a knock-on effect. Should Palace go for Sean Dyche, that would then create a job at Burnley: well resourced, stable, Premier League.

The harsh reality, that Sunderland cannot offer the backing and stability most of their rivals boast, has pushed them down the pecking order.

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That is of course the kind anaylsis, offered in the hope that Sunderland are not scrambling without a clear sense of direction.

When the appointment is finally made, the identity of the new incumbent will reveal much in that regard.

Sunderland are not the only side with uncertainty hanging over them as the crucial pre-season period creeps ever closer.

They are, however, the side who will suffer the most if the process continues without resolution.