Sunderland’s disappointing Championship campaign is drawing to a close, leaving the hierarchy with a major decision to make as they prepare to appoint a new head coach.
The club decided not to immediately appoint a successor to Michael Beale, instead giving them time to reflect on what had been a bruising period and run an extensive process in the hope of producing a better outcome for next season. Mike Dodds has overseen the final fixtures of the campaign as interim boss but amid a number of injuries to key players he has been unable to spark a turnaround and is now almost certain to return to his previous role.
Sunderland are looking for a candidate with an elite coaching pedigree who can oversee a promotion push next season, but they must work within the club’s current structure and within the current recruitment strategy. While they will be able to make an appointment of their own to the coaching group, they will be expected to work with Dodds and the rest of the existing coach staff. So who is in the frame as it stands and what rumours should fans be paying attention too? Here, we take a look through the current bookies’ list to assess who is worth keeping an eye on, and the links which seem unlikely to come to fruition...
17. KJETIL KNUTSEN - 16/1
Has long been linked with a move to the UK or a top European division having thrived at Bodo/Glimt. Signed a new contract only last month, which would appear to rule out any summer move. Rumour rated: 3/10 | Getty Images Photo: Richard Heathcote
18. DANNY ROHL - 14/1
Not far off the perfect candidate, really. An elite coaching background having worked at Bayern Munich and with the German national team. In less than a season at Sheffield Wednesday has shown he can improve players and implement a front-foot style of play - and a successful one at that. Sunderland’s issue is that every win takes him closer to securing safety at Wednesday and as such, makes him opting to stay there more likely. Would also cost Sunderland a significant fee if he did turn out to be interested, and that’s something they’ve generally steered clear of pursuing in recent years. Rumour rated: 9/10 | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
19. RYAN LOWE - 12/1
A fairly new name on the list. Developed a reputation at Bury and Plymouth for his front-foot, intense pressing style. Having watched his Preston North End side against Sunderland that seems to have been adapted but it has helped him overperform his budget. The Black Cats have certainly been admirers of his former assistant Steven Schumacher, now at Stoke City. Rumour rated: 6.5/10 | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
20. WILL STILL - 10/1
Sunderland’s search for a new head coach potentially took a significant twist on Thursday after it was announced that Will Still was leaving his role as head coach of Stade de Reims. The Ligue 1 side announced that Still would be leaving his role in a statement, effective immediately. Was very much of interest following Tony Mowbray’s departure and will be so again, having made clear that he is open to returning to the UK this summer. Has done a good job in Ligue 1 over a now relatively decent stretch of time and clearly has the coaching acumen Sunderland crave. Bilingual, which would be an asset on Wearside as the squad develops. Rumour rated: 8.5/10 Photo: SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS