Sunderland may miss out on one of their manager targets this summer, according to expert Graeme Bailey.
Sunderland plan to seek a new manager in the summer. As the season draws to a close, reports tying certain managers to the Stadium of Light become more prevalent.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co. are now conducting due diligence.
According to previous reports, Reims manager Will Still is still on their radar, as is Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl.
In addition to Sunderland, an unknown Belgian coach was reported at the time.
Paul Heckingbottom is Sunderland no.1 target
More recently, former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has been connected with Sunderland.
Heckingbottom is thought to be Sunderland’s top manager target ahead of the summer, following his departure from Sheffield United earlier this season.
Kristjaan Speakman had stated that the club is more likely to hire an out-of-work coach in the summer, following the appointments of Alex Neil, Tony Mowbray, and Michael Beale.
However, Speakman would not fully rule out poaching a manager from another team.
Steve Cooper eyed by Sunderland
Steve Cooper, 44, is another out-of-work manager who has been mentioned in passing in connection with the Sunderland job in recent months.
Cooper and Sunderland had previously been shown to have mutual admiration for one another, but there has recently been a push for Cooper to take over as Welsh national team manager.
And, speaking exclusively to Sunderland AFC News, expert Bailey has now talked down Cooper’s probable arrival at Sunderland, claiming that the Black Cats cannot afford his wages:
“I believe Paul Heckingbottom would be an excellent fit. He accomplished an excellent job at Sheffield United in bringing them up. I do not believe they can afford Cooper just now. I don’t believe he matches their compensation structure.”
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus look destined to appoint one name
Despite the club’s wealth, and despite Sunderland’s plans to spend more money in the transfer market this summer, the club remains extremely strict.
Louis-Dreyfus does not want to splurge at Sunderland, but he will not limit himself or the club’s next managerial appointment.
Cooper has always felt like a long shot, so Bailey’s words will come as no surprise.
They also point to Heckingbottom getting the post in the summer, or possibly before the end of the season.
He won’t be cheap either, but Heckingbottom won’t have been paid well at Sheffield United, so he might be considerably more reasonable than Cooper.
Still would require a compensation sum in addition to his salaries, therefore Heckingbottom appears to be the natural next appointment for the club at the moment.
It clearly has the potential to be a very wise hire for Wearside.
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