Sunderland are still on the lookout for a new head coach ahead of the summer transfer window, but one target has now been officially wiped off the list.
While earning promotion back to the Premier League is now out of the question, the Black Cats are still looking to end the season strongly, having picked up a point away at Leeds United which was followed by an impressive 1-0 win at The Hawthorns over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, albeit the Baggies were down a man for more than half of the match.
Ice cold from Pierre 🥶#SAFC
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) April 14, 2024
Across his two spells as interim boss this season, Mike Dodds has guided the Wearside club to four victories in 13 matches but will remain in charge until the end of the campaign, as was announced by the club in the aftermath of Michael Beale’s dismissal.
Work has taken place behind the scenes as the board look to appoint an astute replacement to succeed Dodds in the dugout at the Stadium of Light and a number of candidates have already been linked with the job over the past few months.
One name who was touted with taking the Sunderland job was Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin. The Swedish coach boasts a 43.1% win ratio at his current club across six years and it was reported that the Black Cats held talks with the 46-year-old after Tony Mowbray’s departure back in December.
Former Premier League Manager Issues Transfer Verdict on Sunderland Trio
It was even revealed recently by Elfsborg’s director of football Stefan Andreasson that there was interest in Thelin’s services and that the club will look to find a solution if the right option becomes available [quotes via Sport Witness]:
“There is interest and alternatives for him, but we have concluded in our dialogues that he should continue with Elfsborg. Then we will see what the future shows, we are proud that he is a sought-after name.
“In the best of worlds, it’s like with players, that you buy out the coach. But when the right option is available for Jimmy, we will find a solution.”
Now, that solution has been found as it was announced on Tuesday that Thelin will become the new manager of Aberdeen at the end of the season, meaning Sunderland will have to chalk his name off their lengthy list of potential candidates.
Writer’s View
Thelin is a very exciting coach. His team are scintillating to watch in possession of the ball but are even more interesting without it due to their high-pressing style and keenness to create goalscoring opportunities from blistering transitions.
However, Aberdeen will be the club Thelin takes over during the summer, so Sunderland will have to look elsewhere. Nevertheless, there have been other really good candidates linked with the job too, such as Paul Heckingbottom and Will Still who could take the team back to the promised land.
Deputy Head of Writing
