A former Sunderland player is now looking to step into management, after announcing his departure from a Premier League club.
Sunderland have recently waded through perhaps their most arduous managerial search.
The Black Cats sacked Michael Beale in February this year and had to wait until June to hire current head coach Regis Le Bris.
It follows what was a torrid 2023/24 season for Sunderland who, after sacking Tony Mowbray in the December, would go on a downward spiral, eventually finishing the campaign in 16th place of the table.
There’s quiet optimism that Le Bris can bring stability and results to Sunderland in the upcoming 2024/25 Championship season.
But optimism remains quiet, with Sunderland and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman having plenty of work to do in the transfer market.
Le Bris arrived at the Stadium of Light after a number of candidates were linked, with the likes of Will Still and Liam Rosenior pulling out of the running.
One name linked was former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.
Jermain Defoe leaves Tottenham Hotspur following Sunderland manager links
Defoe, 41, played for Sunderland on two separate occasions; between 2015 and 2017, and for a brief spell in 2022.
In total, the 57-cap former England man scored 37 goals in 100 appearances for the Black Cats.
Defoe spoke openly about his desire to become the next Sunderland manager before Le Bris arrived.
It was also revealed that Defoe had held very informal talks about the Sunderland job, though he was ever considered to be a serous candidate.
On Wednesday, Defoe announced that he’d left his position as an academy coach with Tottenham Hotspur, outlining his desire to explore new coaching and managerial opportunities.
Former Sunderland man Jermain Defoe needs to avoid one thing in managerial search
Defoe’s links to Sunderland and his comments about wanting the job weren’t met too kindly by fans.
He would’ve been a huge gamble at a time when Sunderland really need stability.
But having obtained his UEFA A-License, and with a huge background in football on the club and international stage, he’ll still be an attractive manager for clubs going forward.
Defoe though needs to manage his expectations. Taking on Sunderland as his first job was unrealistic thinking, and Defoe might be better off starting lower down the leagues or maybe even venturing abroad.
Then after several years in management, and if he can have success, Defoe may then come into the thinking, as a realistic candidate, for job’s of the stature of Sunderland.