Sunderland-born manager favourite to take charge at Mansfield Town ahead of FA Cup meeting

Sunderland could be set to welcome one of their own when Mansfield Town arrive at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Published 3rd Nov 2020, 10:11 BST

League Two Mansfield travel to Wearside in the FA Cup this weekend without a manager after sacking Graham Coughlan, six days ago.

Academy Manager Richard Cooper stepped in as caretaker for the Stags’ 1-1 draw with Walsall and will also take charge of their clash with Bolton Wanderers this evening.

However, by the time the weekend arrives, Mansfield may well have a new man in the dugout.

Indeed, it could be a Sunderland-born lad himself who takes the reigns – with Nigel Clough currently the bookmakers’ overriding favourite to take over at 2/7.

Clough has been out of management since stepping down as Burton Albion boss during the Covid-19 pandemic in May.

Two other candidates in the running with Sunderland connections include Paul Heckingbottom (16/1) and Simon Grayson (20/1).