Sunderland are still without a permanent manager after the sacking of Tony Mowbray last week
Sunderland’s weekend goal hero Dan Ballard has declared that it’s business as usual for the Black Cats as they prepare to welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light, despite the fact that an interim manager is in charge.
Following Tony Mowbray’s dismissal last week, Mike Dodds took command of Sunderland in a 2-1 victory over West Brom, and the former Birmingham City academy manager is expected to continue in charge for the Whites’ visit on Tuesday night.
While Sunderland’s players have expressed their admiration for Mowbray’s work at the club, which included leading them to the play-offs last season, there is a feeling in the camp that they can return to the top six by the end of the season and that their ambition will not be derailed by the club’s current lack of a permanent manager.
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“It’s not really been mentioned to be honest,” said Ballard when asked by Sunderland Echo if who the new manager will be has been spoken about by the squad. “Doddsy has stepped up and there has been a lot of information so we haven’t really had time as players to discuss it. It is up to those above whoever they appoint. It is out of our control, we will just deal with what comes.”
Dodds himself believes that a play-off berth is within reach for the Black Cats, who are now barely inside those spots on goal difference, ahead of Cardiff and Hull, both of whom have 30 points.
“Was it realistic that we finished in the top six last year?” he said. We accomplished it, therefore it is doable. Is it realistic for Luton Town to compete in the Premier League on their current budget? It is possible. But one thing I’ll say about this football club – and I wasn’t here four or five years ago when things weren’t looking so well – is that they’re not going to stray from what they believe is right. They are quite clear and focused on how they want the football team to be run. I think that’s pretty evident.”
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