French club Stade de Reims are lining up potential replacements for manager Will Still amid continued speculation that Sunderland will target the 31-year-old this summer.
The Black Cats have endured a torrid campaign after initially targeting a second successive top six finish in the Championship. They made the shock decision to part company with Tony Mowbray in December before opting to bring in Michael Beale. However, the former Queens Park Rangers boss’ tenure was nothing short of a disaster and he too found himself cast aside after just 12 games.
With their play-off dreams in tatters, Mike Dodds was handed the reins on an interim basis until the end of the season. It was announced that the search for a permanent successor would be a long process, with the Wearsiders keen to get their next appointment right.
Several names have been linked to the position, including former managers Alex Neil and Roy Keane, as well as the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Paul Heckingbottom and Danny Rohl. Highly rated Reims coach Will Still also remains amongst the favourites.
The young Brit was heavily linked to the role in December, prompting his current club to react to the rumours. He is under contract until next summer and has made no secret of his desire to eventually manage in England.
Although he still has a year remaining on his existing deal, it appears as if the Ligue 1 outfit are preparing for his exit. According to Le Parisien, via L’Union, Reims have set their sights on Red Star manager Habib Beye should Still depart the club at the end of the campaign.
Beye has guided his current club to the top of the Championnat National this season. With promotion to Ligue 2 assured, the former Newcastle United and Aston Villa defender has attracted the interest of a host of top tier clubs. This is said to include Lyon, Reims and RC Lens.
Les rouges et blancs are still hoping to retain Still’s services into next season. However, with potential replacements being lined up, this could open up an opportunity for Sunderland. Reims still have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe, although currently sit 10th in the table.
Writer’s View
The French outfit have previously held firm in their stance that they would not allow Still to depart the club. This news is the first time that they have seemingly opened up the idea of a potential exit, which could be a huge boost for Sunderland.
The 31-year-old remains one of the favourites for the role at the Stadium of Light, although there would be a degree of risk involved. The Black Cats know that they must get this appointment right after getting the last one so drastically wrong. As a result, they may prefer someone of the ilk of Paul Heckingbottom, who has experience of getting out of the division.
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