One of Sunderland’s newest manager targets has been tipped for a ‘big’ move ‘sooner or later’.
Sunderland have surpassed 100 days without a permanent manager, but now look like they could finally be closing in on an appointment.
After missing out on the likes of Danny Rohl, Bo Svensson and Will Still, it was reported today that the Black Cats had narrowed their shortlist down to three names.
One name is Pascal Jansen, who emerged as a contender yesterday and has a majority of fans’ backing following his exit from AZ Alkmaar earlier this year.
The second name is not so favoured, with St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson looking to enjoy more success than Jack Ross did.
Meanwhile, the final name is one that has brought a lot of concern to Sunderland fans’ social media.
The report claims that Stockport County boss Dave Challinor is the final man being considered for the job on Wearside, which has left supporters very frustrated.
Challinor has won promotion seven times, though he has never managed at a higher level than League Two.
After winning promotion to the fourth tier with Hartlepool United, he went onto join Stockport County and has guided them from the National League to League One.
Dave Challinor is set for a ‘big’ move ‘sooner or later’
Sunderland fans appear rather disappointed by the mention of Challinor’s name on their shortlist, however journalist Michael Graham has defended the 48-year-old.
Writing on X, Graham said: “Challinor has had nothing but success. He’s an excellent manager. Not a name who’ll get anyone excited and can’t blame them, but he’s going to get a chance at a big club sooner or later. At this point though, I’m just too tired of it for either excitement or outrage.”
Four months later and Sunderland could end up with another Simon Grayson
Challinor would be a massive risk for Sunderland, and after their previous appointment and also the fact that fans have been waiting four months for a new manager, they can’t be taking risks.
The Black Cats have been linked with a host of exciting names, and to think they could actually end up with a newly-promoted League One manager or someone who finished fifth in the Scottish Premiership is very concerning.
What makes matters worse is that Pascal Jensen – who reached a Europa Conference League semi-final with AZ – is on par with those two on the shortlist.
If the 51-year-old doesn’t pip the pair to the post and earn himself the job at the Stadium of Light then the club will have a lot of questions to answer.