Mike Dodds has been told that he now has a ‘good opportunity’ to make a massive difference at Sunderland.
The 37-year-old was thrust into the limelight for the second time earlier this month, when he was named as the Black Cats’ interim coach following Tony Mowbray’s sacking.
Mike Dodds took temporary charge following Lee Johnson’s exit last year, but fans were left disappointed when the team endured back-to-back defeats to Cheltenham Town and Doncaster Rovers.
However, Dodds’ spell at the helm wasn’t quite as underwhelming this time round. Despite a final defeat to Bristol City at the weekend, Dodds proved himself to be a tactical genius with two wins over Leeds United and West Brom.
When the news broke that Michael Beale would become the permanent manager, there were many calling for Dodds to be given the job instead. However, Beale’s appointment was joined with the news that Dodds had been promoted to assistant head coach.
Marco Gabbiadini has reacted to Dodds’ new position at the club and has claimed it is a ‘good opportunity’ for him to become Beale’s ‘sidekick’.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, the former Sunderland striker said: “We have had some very experienced coaches here over the years, but I think it is quite clear from listening to the whole of the group, the coaching group speaking on Thursday night – they see it as a team effort.
“Most experienced managers do have their sidekicks, their sounding board with them. Mark Venus, it was for Tony Mowbray. It has happened for years.
“Possibly because he is a little bit less experienced he hasn’t got that go-to person.
“So it is a good opportunity for Dodds to step in and up his input a little.
“But we have got to wait and see, one of the things Kristjaan Speakman did say last night was that he thought the club was in a good position, the squad was in a good place and stronger than last year.
“Now, I disagree a little bit to be honest, but these things are going to come out in the wash over the next months.”
How important will Mike Dodds be to Sunderland now?
There was no surprise that social media was full of frustration and criticism following Michael Beale’s appointment on Monday, but there was the occasional positive comment about Mike Dodds’ promotion.
The coach did a brilliant job as interim coach and proved just how important he must have been during Tony Mowbray‘s tenure.
While many fans don’t seem to trust in Beale already, it makes things a lot better knowing that Dodds is there to advice him too. Beale was known to be a top coach before getting into management, so perhaps they will prove to be a very strong duo when it comes to training and getting the very best out of these young players.