Welcome to Last Word on Football’s Sunderland round-up for Friday 31st May. This evening saw the Black Cats’ top head coach target being ruled out of the running for the vacant job at the Stadium of Light. Fans are now hoping the hierarchy on Wearside have a plan B.
Sunderland Round-Up: Top Black Cats Head Coach Target Ruled Out
Will Still the former head coach at French club Reims appears to have ruled himself out of the running to take over at Sunderland. Still had long been the bookmakers favourite for the vacant head coach role and also the preferred choice of those in charge at the Stadium of Light.
However, reports this evening via Sky Sports and the Sunderland Echo claim that Still will not be coming to England but will instead stay in France and take charge at RC Lens.
BREAKING: Sunderland’s talks to make Will Still their new head coach are all but over 🚨
The Belgian had gone as far as to look into where he could live the North East at one point, but he has concerns over investment & the make-up of staff. pic.twitter.com/JY6w4fnd2T
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 31, 2024
While it is understood that Still was on the brink of taking the job at Sunderland, concerns were raised over investment and staff. However, now that RC Lens have made their move, Still is likely to remain in France where his concerns will not be an issue.
Second Head Coach in Two Days to be Ruled Out
Prior to Will Still being ruled out, former Young Boys manager and Switzerland international Raphael Wicky was reportedly close to being appointed according to the Italian news site Calcio Mercato. However, within an hour, these rumours came to a sudden halt. Reports quickly came through that Wicky’s imminent arrival was just rumours and very wide of the mark.
With their top target now believed to be ruled out, Sunderland fans will be hoping that their club have at least one backup plan.
