SUNDERLAND interim manager Mike Dodds says the club has selected several applicants in its search for a new head coach but has yet to make a choice.
The Black Cats’ recent dismal form has raised questions about whether the club may attempt to employ a manager before the conclusion of the season, since Dodds has yet to win a game since returning to the dugout as temporary head coach.
Nonetheless, his status as manager remains unchanged, and he told We Are Sunderland that the club is taking its time considering potential successors to Michael Beale, who left in mid-February after only nine weeks in command.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says the club accepted full accountability for the decision to appoint Beale, which didn’t work out.
At the time of Beale’s departure, Speakman stated: “We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC.” Our objective is to improve, but that has not been visible; as a result, we accept full responsibility and believe that moving decisively is in the best interests of the club.
“This has been a challenging few months for Michael, and he leaves with our best wishes for the future. Our attention is now on the players and assisting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure the best possible league finish.
“We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made.”
Dodds was appointed interim manager of the first team till the end of the season, after losing four and drawing one of his five games in charge.
“The last conversation I had was prior to the last couple of games,” Dodds told We Are Sunderland. “It was that they had shortlisted a large number of possible applicants.
“They’ll take their time speaking with those people. They certainly want to ensure that the next appointment goes as planned. They do not want to hasten the decision.
“If they believe they have found the proper candidate tomorrow, he will be in the day after tomorrow.
“If they don’t believe they’ve found the appropriate candidate, they will wait. I believe that was the message a few weeks ago, and that is all I am aware of at this time.
“I am confident if something changed, they would let me know. They are quite proficient at all of that.
“We have two games over the Easter weekend, and we need to change the atmosphere around the football club.” “The best way to change that is to win football games.”
Sunderland were connected with Reims manager Will Still following Tony Mowbray’s resignation from the Stadium of Light, but instead hired former Rangers manager Beale. Still has been linked with a transfer to Wearside and has expressed a desire to take his next management role in England.
Former Black Cats player Dwight Yorke has also expressed an interest in the role, claiming to have applied for the open position, while Paul Heckingbottom, Scott Parker, and Steve Cooper are among the bookies’ favourites.
At this point, Dodds is expected to remain in command for the rest of the campaign.
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