Sunderland manager search latest: Steve Cooper boost, Alex Neil talk, Mike Dodds update
After Michael Beale was fired, Sunderland is searching for a new manager. Beale took over at the Stadium of Light in December, but the fans were not convinced by his appointment. Under his direction, the team won just four of his 12 games in charge, drew two, and lost six. The board took action because of this, and Mike Dodds was appointed as interim manager until the end of the season. On Saturday, his team lost 2-1 at home to Swansea City, disappointing Dodds. Sunderland is currently in 10th place in the standings, eight points outside of the playoff spots.
and they will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Carrow Road to play the in-form Norwich City.
Table of Champions (as of February 26)
group
P
GD
Points
9.
City of Coventry
34
11
51
10
Sunshine
34
7.
47
11
Watford
34
3.
44
12
City of Bristol
34
0
44
Thirteen
33
-2
44
14
City of Cardiff
34
-9
45
15
Argyle of Plymouth
34
–4
Forty
16
Rovers of Blackburn
34
-12
39
An update from Mike Dodds
Dodds has served as interim head coach three times already, the first two times coming after Lee Johnson and Mowbray left.
After Mowbray was fired in December, the 37-year-old had a great run as manager, winning two of his team’s three games.
Journalist Alan Nixon claims that if Dodds makes an impression between now and the conclusion of the season, he may be given the permanent position in the summer.
Dodds could be a strong fit for the team given his excellent track record of developing young players and his tight relationship with Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman, who “will have a major say on the decision”.
Previous manager keen to make a stunning comeback
In August of last year, only a few weeks into the Championship season, many Sunderland supporters were devastated to learn that previous manager Alex Neil was leaving the team to join Stoke City.
Neil had taken over at the Stadium of Light just in February, but in that short time, he performed a fantastic job leading the team to promotion from League One through the play-offs.
Neil’s unexpected decision to transfer to Stoke did not pan out for him at the bet365 Stadium.
With the Potters just clear of the relegation zone after an unimpressive 16th-place finish the previous season, Neil was fired in December.
But now that the position in Sunderland is open again.
Possible enhancement from Steve Cooper
Steve Cooper, the former manager of Nottingham Forest, is a target for Sunderland, according to TEAMtalk.
Cooper performed a fantastic job at the City Ground, helping Forest secure their place in the top level by leading them to promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
The Welshman was fired in December as the team was heading into the relegation zone, but in the upcoming months, there will probably be no shortage of suitors for him.
Journalist Dean Jones does not believe Cooper will be in the mix for the West Ham United job should the Hammers fire David Moyes in the summer. Cooper was linked to Crystal Palace, but the Eagles chose to select Oliver Glasner.
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