BREAKING NEWS: Next Sunderland manager will be ‘going up against’ one unavoidable battle
According to an EFL pundit, Sunderland has set unrealistic expectations regarding their next managerial appointment. The club has been compiling a list of potential candidates for the summer vacancy, with names such as Danny Rohl, currently managing Sheffield Wednesday, and former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom, emerging as targets. Additionally, Reims boss Will Still has been identified as a person of interest, with club owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus reportedly considering him as the ideal choice for the managerial role.
Sunderland linked with Reims boss Will Still
Despite being linked with Sunderland previously, Will Still, aged 31, was not appointed before the club hired Michael Beale. However, his name resurfaced immediately after Beale’s dismissal. Still has hinted at the possibility of leaving Reims in the summer and moving to England, which has generated excitement among many Sunderland fans. His impressive track record in Ligue 1 with Reims has made him a favored candidate. However, the heightened anticipation surrounding Still’s potential appointment could create an awkward situation for Sunderland if they ultimately decide not to hire him.
Will Still links have ‘skewed expectations amid Paul Heckingbottom links
As of now, Paul Heckingbottom appears to be emerging as the leading contender for the Sunderland managerial position. With his prior experience in securing promotions with Sheffield United and his affable demeanor, Heckingbottom seems to align well with what a Championship club like Sunderland may require. His appointment could potentially serve as a remedy following the controversial and short-lived tenure of Michael Beale.
However, EFL pundit Ryan Dilks, speaking on the Second Tier podcast, suggests that Sunderland’s persistent links with Will Still may have influenced the expectations surrounding the next manager at the Stadium of Light. Dilks implies that the ongoing speculation about Still has created a standard against which other potential appointments will be measured, indicating that whoever Sunderland ultimately appoints will face the challenge of not being Will Still.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus facing pivotal summer
There’s certainly a valid argument to be made here.
Sunderland fans have shown interest in Will Still since Tony Mowbray’s time, and the arrival of Michael Beale immediately set expectations for what followed. While appointing Paul Heckingbottom wouldn’t be as disappointing as Beale’s tenure, as Dilks suggests, there’s still the challenge of him not being Will Still.
Still has gained significant attention in the managerial world, and it appears Sunderland might be the club to bring him to England. The fans are vocal about their desire for his appointment, and currently, there doesn’t seem to be another team expressing as much interest in Still, apart from perhaps West Ham, although that might be a premature move for the Belgian-English coach.
However, it’s worth noting that Still’s appointment would likely be for the summer, while Heckingbottom could potentially take over sooner. Therefore, the decision lies not only with the owners but also with Kristjaan Speakman in terms of timing as much as the choice of manager.