Former Rangers manager Michael Beale is reportedly in the running for the job as Sunderland manager, according to a report by Sunderland AFC News.
The Mackems sacked Tony Mowbray early this week and have since been linked with several names who could fill the role. Will Still of Reims and Nice assistant manager Julien Sable have been linked from Europe while Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town is, perhaps unsurprisingly, also of interest.
It is Beale though who has entered the running and is seen as one of the contenders for the top job at the Stadium of Light. Steven Gerrard’s former assistant was last in charge of the Scottish giants Rangers where he had a win percentage of over 70% from his 43 matches in charge.
Despite his impressive return of 31 wins during that time, his time in Scotland has been labelled a failure by pundits such as Chris Sutton. Beale’s previous Championship experience came in a short 22-match spell in charge of Queens Park Rangers before his switch to Ibrox. The role at Loftus Road was his first chance in the top job having spent time as assistant manager and on the coaching staff of teams like Liverpool, Sau Paulo and Chelsea before linking up with Gerrard with The Gers.
The report suggests that Beale is someone who fits the Sunderland mould as he is a young yet proven coach who has earned his qualifications and has Championship experience. However, it is believed that the Sunderland hierarchy will be looking to appoint a manager from abroad, such as Still or Sable but the former QPR boss is expected to be a serious candidate.
Writer’s View
Every man and his dog appear to be being linked with the Sunderland job at present and the club are no doubt an attractive option for managers due to the impressive job Tony Mowbray has done.
Beale’s win record at Rangers would be the envy of most managers and he started brightly at Loftus Road before his departure. He is a highly regarded coach whose start in management has been solid if unspectacular. The reports suggest that Sunderland will opt for a different candidate but Beale would at least be joining the club with experience in English football on his CV, unlike two of the believed front runners, and has managed a big club with big expectations previously.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
