Sunderland has been pushed to appoint one manager by the conclusion of the season.
Sunderland terminated Michael Beale a month ago and announced that Mike Dodds will take over as interim head coach till summer.
Dodds had previously defeated Leeds United and West Brom earlier this season, so fans were overjoyed with the news.
However, things may have gone worse after Beale’s departure, with the Black Cats taking up one point out of a potential 13.
The Wearsiders are still nine points above the relegation zone and are unlikely to be relegated to League One, but a bottom-half finish is becoming increasingly likely.
Sunderland do not appear to be picking up wins anytime soon, and rather than waiting until the end of the season, analyst Carlton Palmer has advised they find a permanent replacement right away.
Speaking to Football League World, the former midfielder said: “Sunderland appointed interim manager Dodds after sacking the manager, and the question is whether they will speed up the process of appointing a coach.”
“With 48 points, there’s no chance Sunderland will be relegated this season, therefore at the end of the day, I believe they should keep the manager till the conclusion of the season, unless they can bring in the coach they want immediately.
“If they can bring in the coach they want right now, they should do so to give him time to analyze the group.
“That makes more sense to me if the desired coach is now accessible.
“If not, then wait until the summer and bring in the coach they want, they’re not going to get relegated.”
Palmer had one manager in mind for the Sunderland job: Paul Heckingbottom, who was still available after Sheffield United fired him before Christmas.
He added: “For me, that is going to be a little late; there are quite a few managers who are out of work right now, including Paul Heckingbottom, who did an incredible job at Sheffield United.”
“Get somebody in, assess the squad, assess what you need for next season.”Unfortunately, it has not worked out for Dodds; I believe they were expecting that it would and that they would be able to keep him for the next season, but that has not happened, and it is now time to move on to plan B.”
Should Sunderland look to Paul Heckingbottom?
While Paul Heckingbottom could have been a good choice to replace Michael Beale last month, I don’t see the point today.
I believe it would be a panic appointment, and he is unlikely to have much of an impact for the rest of the season.
We’re not going up or down, so we might as well take our time finding someone acceptable and who accepts the club’s model and transfer philosophy.
As difficult as it is to watch the dreadful football we play week after week, Heckingbottom isn’t going to make a difference right now, and he’s probably not the manager Kristjaan Speakman wants.
Let’s wait it out and watch for Will Still in the summer, since he appears to be the most interesting alternative for the Black Cats. Heckingbottom will most likely still be available at the end of the season if we decide to pursue that option.
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