A few names appear to be on Sunderland’s management radar right now, some of them are from far and wide.
Michael Beale was fired by Sunderland last week, and Mike Dodds took over as manager until the summer.
However, rumors have begun to associate other names with the Stadium of Light opening; Will Still has been named as Sunderland’s ideal candidate, Steve Cooper is expected to enter the race, and Polish coach Marek Papszun is also suggested.
However, more recently, rumors have suggested that Alex Neil, the previous manager of the Black Cats, is eager to return to Wearside. The Sun stated that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus “could make” an unexpected comeback for the Scot.
Alex Neil connected to Sunderland comeback
Neil reportedly has no problem going back to Sunderland.
The 42-year-old led Sunderland to promotion from League One in 2022 and left the team soon after to take over at Stoke City following a successful start to the 2022–2023 season.
However, Neil was fired at the bet365 Stadium in December following a just 22 victories in 66 games as manager.
Neil managed Sunderland for just 19 games in all. However, 11 of them (57.9%) were victories, making him, statistically speaking, the club’s finest manager in almost a century.
Why Neil return would be a travesty for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. Sunderland finds itself somewhat at a crossroads at the moment.
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The owners of Sunderland made a terrible mistake by taking a chance on Beale. They will have to concede that point of failure and wait until the summer to choose their new CEO.
Even if the vast majority of supporters remain fully committed to the club’s mission and current trajectory, the electorate may become quite uneasy if the club makes another terrible managerial choice.
Sunderland is considering the appointment of Neil as their new manager, following the disappointing tenure of Beale. Neil’s past at Sunderland and his failed summer spending spree at Stoke City raise questions about his Championship credentials.
The club needs someone unfamiliar with the club and with no previous ties, who would be coming in on a clean slate. Neil’s popularity among fans and the club suggests that if Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman can lure him to Wearside, it could lead to an exciting 2024/25 campaign.
However, the club must decide whether Neil’s appointment will be a significant change for the club.
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