After the announcement was made that David Moyes had resigned as Sunderland’s manager, attentions quickly turned to who could be the next man in charge on Wearside. Many names have been mentioned already by fans and the media alike. Whoever takes over will have a huge job on their hands. With little money to spend, the new man in charge will be expected to get the best from the current crop. For fans, this could mean the sale of fan favourite, one of their own and their biggest saleable asset, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Candidates for the Vacant Sunderland Manager’s Position
Nigel Pearson
Pearson has a very good knowledge of the Championship, but his last managerial role at Derby County was one that he and a Derby fans will want to forget. If Sunderland do wish to hire Pearson then they could have competition from his former club, Middlesbrough. Being an ex-captain of the club, his first choice would naturally be there; particularly as Boro don’t have the financial problems that Sunderland currently have. If Pearson did take over on Wearside, there is the possibility of club legend Kevin Phillips, a coach while he was at Leicester, returning as his assistant.
Roy Keane
A huge fan-favourite during his time as manager at Sunderland, he left having fallen out with club owner Ellis Short. He guided the club out of the Championship at the first attempt and kept them in the Premier League. The current Republic of Ireland assistant manager still has strong feelings for the club and has stated that he would like to return in the future.
Could he and Short patch up their differences for the sake of the club? It’s unlikely, but if he were to return, the ex-Manchester United star could sort out the mentality of the players, which is badly needed. He spent quite a lot of money last time, a luxury he would not have in his second stint, but he would be welcomed back with open arms by supporters.
Aitor Karanka
He may not be a popular choice mainly due to his style of play, but his knowledge of the Championship, his ability to make his sides hard to beat and a decent contacts’ book could make him an attractive option to Sunderland.
His first managerial job was at Middlesbrough and although it took a little time, he eventually got them to the Premier League. He was sacked after a string of disappointing results and performances as the team struggled at the wrong end of the table, but he may have come out of that experience with some lessons learnt and be a better manager for it.
Nigel Clough
Nigel Clough has worked wonders on a shoestring budget at Burton Albion, keeping them in the Championship this season and having many sit up, take notice and admire him. His stint in the Championship with Derby County did not work as planned, but it might be time he took the helm at a bigger club once again.
Clough’s legendary father, Brian, ended his career with the Black Cats, and Nigel himself was also born on Wearside. The former Nottingham Forest striker knows the Championship well now and his ability to work with a limited transfer budget on top of being able to get the best out of the players he has could make him an outside bet.
Kevin Phillips
A huge fan-favourite when at the club and a legend in his own right, Phillips scored 130 goals in 235 games after signing for just £325,000 in 1997. He went on to fire the club into the Premier League after striking up a devastating partnership with Niall Quinn. He was also the winner of the Golden Boot and European Golden Shoe whilst at the club.
Since retiring he has had spells coaching at Leicester City and Derby County. He is currently still at Derby but a move could be on the cards due to managerial changes at the club. He would certainly be a popular choice amongst fans. A relatively cheap choice for owner Ellis Short in terms of wages, he may also not expect the funds a more experienced manager would demand. His inexperience is a risk, but a return to the club has always been a possibility ever since he departed. Maybe now is the time to return.
Claudio Ranieri
Out of work since being sacked by the then reigning Premier League champions Leicester City, the man affectionately known as the Tinkerman may be ready to return to management. Convincing Ranieri that his immediate future lies in the Championship would be difficult. He would require assurances over transfer funds and the direction in which the club wishes to proceed. If they want to make a statement of intent, getting the Italian in would be a step in the right direction.
Garry Monk
Several weeks ago, prior to David Moyes stating that he would be staying, Garry Monk was being strongly linked with the Black Cats. The current Leeds United and ex-Swansea City manager just missed out on the Championship play-offs this season. Monk’s contract is about to end in the coming weeks which has alerted not just Sunderland but also Middlesbrough and Norwich City.
Monk and Leeds surprised many by being in contention for the play-offs for much of the season. The 38-year-old has stated that he is committed to discussing a new deal, but if discussions do not start soon then clubs will soon come calling.
Sam Allardyce
Allardyce recently resigned as Crystal Palace manager, and stated he has no intention of taking another job, but football is an ever-changing landscape. He left Sunderland last summer having kept them in the Premier League and then accepting the England job. Many fans and the club itself would likely welcome Allardyce back. He could be just the man to wheel and deal the Black Cats back to the Premier League at their first attempt. Unfortunately, it seems he could need plenty of persuasion.
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