Sunderland sack Tony Mowbray – who next for The Lads?

Sunderland’s sacking of Tony Mowbray has left the Black Cats going into the busy festive period without a manager.

Mowbray was Sunderland’s manager for 15 months, guiding them to the playoffs last season and has the club sitting ninth in the current campaign just three points outside the playoff places before his departure.

A run of just one win in the last five games was enough for Sunderland to send Mowbray packing, with a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Huddersfield seeming to be the final straw.

Sunderland will certainly have to act fast with the appointment of Mowbray’s successor, but will also have to make sure they get the right man for the job at the same time.

The rumour mill is already swirling with names being chucked into the mix, but Sunderland have apparently yet to put together a shortlist for the vacancy.

Stade Reims manager Will Still is one name that is being put forward for the vacancy, the 31-year-old recently went viral for taking his side on a record 17-game unbeaten run despite not having his UEFA coaching badges.

His Reims side currently sit fifth in Ligue 1, having finished 11th last season. If the rumours that Sunderland are after a young up-and-coming manager are true then Still certainly fits that bill.

Another, and certainly more experienced name in England being put forward is Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher. The 39-year-old started out as assistant manager at Plymouth before taking over as manager in December 2021.

Schumacher, the bookmaker’s favourite, was responsible for bringing Argyle back to the Championship after 13 years away. His Argyle side beat Sunderland 2-0 just a few weeks ago and currently sit 16th, just five points behind the Black Cats.

Sunderland have some tough games ahead with their next game at home against West Brom on Saturday 9th December at 12;30pm live on Sky. Followed by a visit from Leeds on Tuesday night.

The January transfer window is also right around the corner and Sunderland will be looking to bolster their squad. The Black Cats have tried four different strikers so far this campaign with all of them yet to score, so it is likely that a proven championship-level goalscorer will be high on the list of targets.