Former Queens Park Rangers manager Michael Beale is set for a return to the Championship with promotion chasing Sunderland, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
The Black Cats have been on the hunt for a new manager since parting company with Tony Mowbray earlier this month following a run of one win in five games. This saw the Wearsiders slip to ninth in the table, although they have moved back into the play-off spots under the interim guidance of Mike Dodds with victories over West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United.
A number of names have been linked to the role, including that of 31-year-old Will Still. The young coach is currently plying his trade at French outfit Reims and is heavily touted to be one of the best up-and-coming coaches in European football. However, despite positive talks between the two parties, the Ligue 1 side would be due a considerable amount of compensation.
News emerged yesterday that Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin had been interviewed for the position, whilst previous target Kim Hellberg was confirmed as the new head coach of fellow Swedish club Hammarby.
It appeared as if Sunderland were keen to follow the lead of a number of clubs this season in appointing inexperienced, young managers from across the continent, but it now looks as if they have switched their attention to those closer to home. According to Keith Downie, ex-QPR and Rangers boss Michael Beale is in advanced talks to take the reins at the Stadium of Light and is expected to be handed the role.
Sunderland are in advanced talks with Michael Beale over their managerial vacancy.
Expecting the former Rangers & QPR manager to be named as Tony Mowbray’s successor #SAFC
🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ZyiSbwZN2K— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) December 15, 2023
The 43-year-old has been out of work since departing Ibrox in October following the Scottish giant’s poor start to the season and has been linked to several Championship jobs since. Former club QPR were reported to have held an interest in bringing him back to the capital, but eventually opted for Martí Cifuentes.
Sunderland head to the South West tomorrow to take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate, where Dodds will be hoping to make it three wins out of three. They then host Coventry City next weekend where Beale could take charge of his first game.
Writer’s View
It’s fair to say that this appointment has sprung a surprise. Beale was not thought to have been one of the frontrunners for the role and this feels as though Sunderland have opted for the ‘safe option’.
However, he does have pedigree in this division and earned plaudits for his time at Loftus Road. Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers were previously keen to bring him to Molineux – a chance he turned down – and it seems as though his time at Rangers has tarnished his reputation slightly.
The Black Cats are a different kettle of fish to QPR though and he will need to get fans on board quickly. A play-off position is the minimum requirement and should he fail to provide that, he could find his stay at the Stadium of Light a short one.
Head of Writing
