All fans are saying the same thing about who they want to replace Michael Beale as Sunderland’s manager.
The Black Cats dismissed Beale on Monday after a terrible run of games. His spell in the dugout ended with controversy as he became one of the shortest reigns in Sunderland’s history.
It was far from what was hoped when he came into the club. Sunderland were aiming for playoffs once again this season. However, by the end of Beale’s spell, the Black Cats sit 10th, seven points away from the top six.
Promotion to the Premier League in the next couple of years would be crucial to the club. Multiple first-team players have been linked away. Stars such as Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham are reportedly wanted by Lazio. Therefore, promotion to the top flight might quell any desire to leave.
With the next appointment crucial to the club’s immediate success, fans have taken to social media to express who they desire to be the next manager.
Will Still Sunderland fan’s favourite
Will Still has remained the favourite amongst Sunderland fans to take over the position in the dugout. The Reims manager was linked with the post in December before Beale ended up taking the post.
Still dropped a hint in the week that he may be interested in joining Sunderland in the summer. However, over the past few days, plenty of other managers have been linked to the job.
Fans seem set on Still with many taking to X to state their desire to see the promising manager walk through the doors at the Stadium of Light.
One fan stated: “I’d love Will Still, definitely my first choice atm.”
Another fan posted: “Yes [I’d be happy with Will Still]. Another gamble… but one I can understand.”
Whereas another fan simply put: “I have a good feeling about this one.”
It is clear that Will Still popularity is still very much alive amongst the Sunderland population. However, there is another man fans would also be keen to bring in.
Steve Cooper is also a top pick for Sunderland’s manager
Another fan favourite to take over is Steve Cooper. The Welshman oversaw Nottingham Forest’s promotion to and subsequence survival in the Premier League over the past few years.
This all came after a good spell at Swansea. Here he reached the playoffs in both his seasons in Wales and lost to Brentford in the final back in the 2020/21 season.
Cooper has now been out of a job for a couple of months after he was relieved of his duties at Forest in a controversial decision.
Fans now see Cooper as a fantastic option to bring into Sunderland, with the manager styling himself as a Championship expert throughout his career.
One fan posted on X: “For me, the #SAFC thought process on the new head coach should be who to target if they can’t get Steve Cooper. Think he’s the glaringly obvious best option.
“Fact they are looking at the summer though suggests they are waiting on someone currently in a job, probably Will Still.”
Another stated: “Wouldn’t mind Steve Cooper as our manager in the summer done a class job at Forest when they were in the championship. #SAFC”
Whereas another remained pessimistic about convincing him to join: “I don’t think Steve Cooper would be realistic but he’d probably be at the top of my list of British candidates. Whichever way we go, the pool is much bigger come the summer. #safc”
Will Still or Steve Cooper would be great for Sunderland
The appointment of either of the two managers would be fantastic for the club. Both have earned a great reputation in their short careers so far and have the potential to be great managers.
The appointment of a younger manager would go well with the identity of the club with many of the first-team being promising young players.
Still or Cooper being appointed may also convince many of the players to stay at the club. Even if it is just for one more season, they may try and get promotion once again at the Black Cats.