Sunderland urged not to make a “unbelievable gamble” This summer, Sunderland is failed to choose a head coach to replace Michael Beale. However, new names have emerged on the club’s radar in recent weeks, indicating desperation among the hierarchy. Beale was dismissed of his duties in February, just after the winter transfer window closed. The club announced that Mike Dodds will take charge of the first team on an interim basis until the end of the season, enabling ownership several months to identify candidates and begin the interview process in search of the ideal manager to sit in the dugout at the Stadium of Light next season.
However, with the summer transfer market beginning next Monday and players returning for pre-season training within the next month, the Wearside club still lacks a manager in control. Furthermore, Will Still, a top contender for the role who met with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus before Christmas, is on his way to joining French team RC Lens. Michael Walker said that the 31-year-old bilingual coach was concerned about his possible staff composition and top-level investment.
Nevertheless, another name has been tossed into the hat in recent days. At the weekend, journalist Alan Nixon stated that the Black Cats had now shifted their focus to St. Mirren manager Stephen Robinson, who has led the Buddies into Europe for the first time since 1987. However, in a recent interview with Football League World, Sheffield Wednesday great and EFL pundit Carlton Palmer agreed that choosing Robinson as Beale’s replacement would be “an unbelievable gamble” [quotes via The Sheffield Star]. “The Northern Irishman led the Buddies into Europe and to consecutive top-six finishes. But for me, this would be an incredible risk,” Palmer remarked.
“But the way things are going right now, Sunderland are running out of options to fill the position, so they will have to take a chance on someone who is new to management and the Championship. This has all happened because the hierarchy wants to manage Sunderland. So they’ll have to find someone who is desperate to get down there, work under the conditions they want to deploy, and pray for success.
“It would also be a terrific opportunity for Stephen Robinson, but he’ll be in Europe with the Buddies next season, and I’m sure he’d want to stay and take advantage of the opportunity. But, regardless of how the club is operated or how they want to run it, Sunderland is a major football club with a large fan base. So, of course, it’s an excellent opportunity.
The Sunderland player is garnering transfer interest from numerous Premier League clubs. Tottenham have reportedly made ‘contact’ on a deal to sign Jobe Bellingham this summer. Following his summer transfer from Birmingham, the 18-year-old started 43 Championship matches and scored seven goals in 2023-24. The length of Bellingham’s Sunderland contract was never revealed following his move to Wearside, although it is believed he still has three years left on his term.
Crystal Palace is one of the clubs believed to be interested in Bellingham, with Tottenham, Brentford, and recently promoted Southampton also keeping an eye on him. However, TEAMtalk reports that Spurs have made contact regarding a deal. Sunderland are apparently keen to keep Jobe, although Tottenham are regarded to be the favourites if their interest turns into bids this summer. Sunderland are thought to value Bellingham at £20 million. Former club Birmingham City would also receive 15% of the transfer fee.
