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...
21. STEVE COOPER - 7/1
Hard really to think of a better candidate on paper, given his track record of overperformance at Championship level allied with an exceptional background in player development. Feeling persists that he’s unlikely to drop down to the Championship, instead waiting for another top-tier opportunity. Will have very good summer offers from numerous places. Rumour rated: 7/10 | Getty Photo: OLI SCARFF
22. GUS POYET - 11/2
Certainly not one to be discounted immediately. Is well known to Juan Sartori who retains some stake and influence in the club. The two are known to have stayed in touch, with Poyet confirming there had been some dialogue between himself and the ownership of late (though he didn’t say it was about the vacancy per se). Has previously come close to landing the job before Lee Johnson, but subsequently revealed he did not want to drop to League One and particularly not under the current model that would leave him a limited say in recruitment. Sunderland are clearly in a better place now and his style of play would work in his favour. Rumour rated: 7/10 | Getty Photo: Jan Kruger
23. PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM 7/2
Proved himself a very steady pair of hands at Sheffield United and that Championship promotion clearly makes him an attractive option to Sunderland. Good record in development across his career from his early days at Barnsley - and would have a good chance of winning the fans over with his no-nonsense communication and his knowledge of the club from his days here as a youngster. Only surprise element was that he was available when Michael Beale was appointed but nothing progressed - though he hadn't long left Brammall Lane at that point. Rumour rated: 8.5/10 | Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty
24. MARTI CIFUENTES - 11/4
Like Rohl has done an exceptionally good job to steer his team away from trouble, and that record of making an impact at Championship level will undoubtedly have caught Sunderland’s eye. Paid short shrift of the rumours when asked after a 4-0 win over Leeds United last weekend. Rumour rated: 8/10 | Getty Images