3 more managers Sunderland should consider contenders continue to drop out

Sunderland have been without a manager since February, when they parted ways with Michael Beale, and dissatisfaction is rising on Wearside.

The Cats appointed Mike Dodds as manager until the end of the season,

with many thinking the decision will give the Black Cats adequate time to select a top contender and bring them in.

However, more than 110 days have gone, and the head coach position on Wearside remains empty.

Long-term aim Will Still has joined RC Lens, while Pascal Jansen and Liam Rosenior have dropped out as their links grew stronger.

The Black Cats are thought to have several nameless candidates in mind and hope to make an appointment soon.

Here, we put out three additional contenders Sunderland should consider as options drop like flies…

Norwegian manager Deila is out of job after leaving Club Brugge in March,

and while he has spent much of his management career in top-flight football,

a club like Sunderland may entice him to the Championship.

It would be a fresh task for the Celtic manager to guide a team to promotion,

but his high-level experience might make him an appealing hire for the Black Cats.

A deal for Deila would not require compensation, and with experience leading clubs in Europe,

he might be a well-supported and ambitious option for the club following a gruelling managerial search.

Sunderland were connected with Heckingbottom in March,

and if the club wants a manager with Championship experience and promotions on his resume,

the ex-Sheffield United man is the best option available.

His tenure in the top division with the Blades was difficult,

but that should not detract from the excellent work he performed at Bramall Lane to lift them from the second tier.

As another manager now without a club, he may be worth considering to head the next era at the Stadium of Light.

Finally, Eirik Horneland, 49, is currently working. He is in charge of Brann in his own country,

and Sunderland’s selection may be a daring one.

Horneland has attracted attention for his work in the Eliteserien, where he won both the league and the cup in 2022.

They’ve also ventured into European football under his leadership, all while playing attractive attacking football.

Compensation would be required, and it may not be very cheap given that his contract continues until 2027.

However, Sunderland will really benefit from a spectacular appointment following this debacle, and Horneland would be exactly that.

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