Sunderland are still hunting for their next head coach after the sacking of Michael Beale last January.
Mike Dodds took interim charge of the first-team following Beale’s sacking after just 12 games, leading Sunderland to a disappointing 16th placed finish in the Championship.
The Black Cats lost 22 games under Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale and Mike Dodds throughout the course of the season, one less than the ill-fated Championship relegation campaign under Simon Grayson and Chris Coleman.
As Sunderland’s head honchos Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman search for their new man, The Echo asked Black Cats fans for their picks ahead of the 2024-25 season - this is what they said and who they chose:
9. Will Still
Will Still is the name on most Sunderland fans' lips after leaving French club Reims and is now favourite with the bookies to take the job. Photo: SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS
10. Rene Maric
Rene Maric, who is currently a youth coach at Bayern Munich, is being linked with the job. One Sunderland fan on social media commented: "Don’t think Rohl will leave Sheff wed. Don't think we can afford Cooper or Still. So if we’re being realistic it’s got to be Maric. Hopefully can sign us some hidden gems from Germany too." Another fan added: "Rene Maric. Training ground guru podcast did it for me" Photo: INA FASSBENDER
11. Scott Parker
Scott Parker, formerly of Chelsea, West Ham and Fulham, has seen his name mentioned by several Sunderland fans as a possible option. Photo: Gualter Fatia
12. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard, who has managed Derby County, Everton and Chelsea, during his coaching career, was mentioned by several Sunderland supporters as a possible option. Photo: Warren Little