Sunderland have placed first-team coach Mike Dodds in interim charge following Tony Mowbray’s departure
Sunderland made an announcement on Monday night about Tony Mowbray leaving the club. In the meantime, Mike Dodds will be the interim charge as the team gears up for tough home games against West Brom and Leeds United. While there’s a chance of appointing a new head coach by then, Dodds is set to lead for those matches. He’ll have support from the club’s senior coaching staff, including Michael Proctor and Alessandro Barcherini, who are pivotal to maintaining continuity regardless of the head coach. They’re expected to remain after the new head coach is appointed. Graeme Murty, the U21 boss, might also contribute given his experience in senior football.
Dodds, who previously worked closely with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman at Birmingham City’s academy, chose to stay and manage the Academy at St Andrews instead of following Speakman to Sunderland. His influence has grown since joining Sunderland, having played a significant role in developing players like Jude Bellingham, who praised Dodds’ impact on his development even after leaving Birmingham.
Initially joining Sunderland as an individual development coach, Dodds quickly rose to the first-team coaching group. Despite initial defeats during his previous stint leading the team, he has earned the trust of the sporting director and has gained substantial experience during Mowbray’s tenure. Dodds’ active involvement in training and tactical preparations, coupled with close relationships with the players, positions him as an ideal figure to manage the transition until Mowbray’s successor is appointed.
The future, however, holds the answer to when that transition will take place.
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