Mick McCarthy is interested in the Sunderland vacancy and contact has been made with the Black Cats’ hierarchy.
Sunderland dismissed Lee Johnson on Sunday evening after a 6-0 defeat at Bolton that was branded one of the worst in the club’s history.
Although Sunderland sit just two points from the top of League One, there were reservations in the club’s hierarchy about the club’s recent form and a feeling that they are underachieving with the resources available to Johnson.
The club don’t have a candidate lined up but are looking for a relatively swift appointment who can make an instant impact. The Black Cats, well placed in the promotion race, play six games in three weeks in February.
More from Football
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will lead the recruitment process and the vastly experienced McCarthy appears a decent quick fix with a history of leading teams to promotion.
Indeed McCarthy is understood to be willing to take the role until the end of the season with the remit of achieving promotion – which is Sunderland’s expectation this year.
Other options include Grant McCann, who was dismissed by Hull City last week but led the club to promotion last season, and Paul Cook – who left Ipswich Town earlier this season.
McCarthy has taken a break from the game since leaving Cardiff but is keen to get back into management and is no stranger to the expectation on Wearside.
McCarthy managed Sunderland for three years between 2003 and 2006, winning promotion to the Premier League on a reduced budget. He has subsequently managed Wolves, Ireland, Ipswich and the Bluebirds and has the credentials if Sunderland are looking to make a quick appointment with the ability to galvanise the dressing room.
Meanwhile, the departure of Johnson could re-open the door for a move for Jermain Defoe. Johnson was lukewarm about the striker and there were reservations in Defoe’s camp about committing without the prospect of playing much.
But a new manager may change that picture. Defoe is keen on a return to Sunderland and, as a free agent, does not need to move before today’s January deadline.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/AuknyPDHp
Post a Comment