Sunderland’s form has picked up in recent weeks under Mike Dodds – but how do the Black Cats’ recent results compare to their league rivals?
It was announced in February that Dodds would take charge of the team until the end of the season, following Michael Beale’s departure. Since then, Dodds has overseen 10 matches, while initially dealing with a lengthy injury list.
Here’s what the Championship table looks like from Friday, February 23, before Dodds took charge of Sunderland’s Championship match against Swansea the following day:
21. Sunderland - 9 points
Since Dodds was named interim boss until the end of the season, Sunderland have won twice (against Cardiff and West Brom), drawn four times and lost four times. Photo: Stu Forster
22. Watford - 8 points
Watford's poor run led to the sacking of Valerien Ismael in March, with Tom Cleverley taking charge until the end of the season. In their last 10 matches, the Hornets have won once, drawn five times and lost four times. Photo: Richard Heathcote
23. Birmingham - 7 points
Birmingham have played 11 times since February 23 but only taken seven points. The Blues have won twice, drawn once and lost eight times since head coach Tony Mowbray temporarily stepped away from the on-site management of the club to receive medical treatment. Photo: Matthew Lewis
24. Rotherham - 4 points
Rotherham remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship and have taken just four points from their last 10 league games. Photo: Ed Sykes