Michael Beale’s exit came just 12 games into his controversial stint at Sunderland.
Fans were left frustrated by the 43-year-old’s appointment in December, and he failed to win over critics as he managed only four wins during his time on Wearside.
The Black Cats went onto promote Mike Dodds to interim head coach as they began their search for a permanent successor, though it is believed that supporters will now have to wait at least three weeks for a new arrival.
Jermain Defoe is one coach who has already thrown his name into the hat, though the more likely candidates have included the likes of Will Still, Rene Maric, Danny Rohl and Paul Heckingbottom.
Sunderland were handed a huge boost when it was confirmed last week that Will Still would leave Reims at the end of the season, meaning the club wouldn’t have to pay his hefty compensation fee to bring him in.
There is likely to be plenty of interest in the 31-year-old’s appointment though, and journalist Graeme Bailey has now given us an exclusive insight on the likelihood of his arrival at the Stadium of Light.
One factor could deter Will Still from joining Sunderland
We asked Bailey whether Sunderland’s transfer policy and budget could impact their search for a new manager.
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“I think with the budget Sunderland have put in place, I think they’re struggling to attract or come to an agreement with a manager,” he replied.
“You know, Will Still is not coming to Sunderland on their current budget. No way, shape or form. He’s got bigger fish to fry. I think Still would be attainable in theory, but not with the budget that’s in place there.
“I don’t think Steve Cooper would come in, and I’m not even sure Paul Heckingbottom would at the minute.”
Will Still’s previous comments on Reims’ transfer policy are worrying
Sunderland are likely to have to sell on a few key players this summer in order to bring in fresh faces, with the likes of Jack Clarke and Anthony Patterson heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
It’s unclear what the Black Cats’ transfer kitty would look like, but Will Still had already made it clear that Reims’ own transfer policy was a huge issue for him.
The French outfit were similar to Sunderland in that they would bring players in on the cheap and offload them for a profit, while Still didn’t get much of a say in their transfer business either.
Earlier this year Still was asked about Reims’ policy and he said: “Gutted, yeah, I haven’t hid that.
“The club tried to explain that it was an opportunity and we had to do it. I get it. I get it totally, and I respect it. But I wanted to be really ambitious and challenge myself and the team right to the end. And it’s like, ‘Right, we won’t get the chance to do that’.”
Sunderland have made their interest in the young coach very clear and it would be surprising if they don’t make a move for him this summer, but with interest likely to be high, he could be a tough addition to acquire.
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