Sunderland could now make a ‘surprise move’ for a manager with a 35% win rate.
Sunderland look set to miss out on Will Still after months of uncertainty, with the 31-year-old closing in on a return to France with Lens.
Still had looked the most likely candidate to move to the Stadium of Light, but concerns over investment means he could now turn the club down and make an immediate comeback to Ligue 1.
Sunderland now look to be back to square one and are continuing their hunt for a new manager, with less than two weeks to go before the transfer window opens.
The Black Cats have continued to belinked with Rene Maric, who is said to find the opportunity ‘tempting’, despite being offered the chance to work under Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.
However, it now looks like a completely new name has emerged as a candidate for the job.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland are now considering a ‘surprise move’ for St Mirren coach Stephen Robinson.
Sunderland to make ‘surprise move’ for Stephen Robinson
Nixon said via his Patreon: “Sunderland will make a surprise move for St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson if they miss out on Will Still.
“The Black Cats are fighting with French side Lens for young English coach Still and may improve the contract on offer.
“However if that fails Irishman has his supporters at the Stadium of Light and would jump up the list of alternatives.”
Stephen Robinson began his managerial career with Oldham Athletic, lasting only six months in the post.
He then joined Motherwell, where he reached the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup final in back-to-back seasons. He resigned in December 2020 – over three years after joining the club.
After a stint at Morecambe, the 49-year-old joined St Mirren in February 2022.
Are the Black Cats panicking?
He has gone onto pick up a 35% win rate and has most recently achieved a fifth place finish, earning them a spot in the Europa League play-offs.
A move for Robinson feels miles away from the approach that the club have been taking, and it certainly doesn’t feel like a particularly exciting one.
Sunderland will be familiar with snapping up a manager from St Mirren, with Jack Ross failing to achieve promotion with the Black Cats after his arrival from Paisley.
While the fans will support whoever gets the job, waiting over 100 days for Robinson would be particularly underwhelming.