Sunderland are interested in a surprise move for St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson, according to a report by The Sun.
Sunderland could move for the Scottish Premiership man if they miss out on top target Will Still to RC Lens. The Black Cats remain in the hunt for a permanent replacement for Michael Beale ahead of another year in the Championship.
Robinson, 49, has done an impressive job with St Mirren since joining them back in 2022. He has won 34% of games in charge of the Buddies and they could face a battle to keep hold of him in the near future.
As per The Sun, he is now being linked with a shock switch down the border to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland finished in 16th position in the table in the last campaign with 56 points on the board and will want to get their managerial appointment sorted soon.
Sunderland eye new candidate
Robinson spent his playing days as a midfielder for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, AFC Bournemouth, Preston North End, Luton Town and Bristol City.
He then hung up his boots in 2008 after playing just under 450 appearances, as well as making seven caps for the Northern Ireland national team.
The Lisburn-born man delved into the coaching world at Motherwell under Ian Barraclough.
Robinson then worked at Northern Ireland before Oldham Athletic handed him his first coaching role in the game in 2016.
He then moved back up to Scotland 12 months later when Motherwell came calling and spent three years in the dugout at Fir Park.
Morecambe lured him back down the border in 2020 and he lasted eight months with the Shrimps.
Robinson became St Mirren’s new head coach two years ago now and has since done well with the Paisley outfit, guiding them to 5th in the table in this past season.
What next for Sunderland?
Sunderland risk falling behind league rivals if they don’t find a manager soon.
It appears Still is the man they want but they are facing a real battle to get him.
Robinson’s name has now emerged and if he was to land the vacancy, eyebrows would be raised.
Although he has been doing some great work at St Mirren, his past two stints in England haven’t worked out.
