Sunderland interim manager Mike Dodds has provided an update on Sunderland’s managerial situation ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Leeds United.
Dodds was commended highly after guiding Sunderland to an impressive victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The 37-year-old, who has been in this position before when he was asked to take interim charge of the club after the sacking of Lee Johnson, has already done a better job than last time.
He led the Black Cats to defeats against Doncaster Rovers and Cheltenham, which were two desperately poor results for a side chasing promotion to the Championship.
Now, though, Dodds has a “point to prove” and has the backing of the players, as seen by the passion and fight they showed in that victory over the Baggies.
And now a key update has emerged over his position as manager ahead of their fixture against Leeds United on Tuesday night.
Mike Dodds explains next steps in Sunderland’s managerial search
Although Sunderland’s managerial search rumbles on, a decision isn’t expected to be imminent which means Dodds is ready to take charge of another Championship fixture.
He said: “As far as I’m aware I’m in charge on Tuesday, nobody has told me otherwise. I will stick to my plan until someone else tells me otherwise.”
In professional football management, you can never take your foot on the gas and that is exactly why Dodds has swerved any talk of whether he wants to be a contender for the position.
That said, it remains to be seen whether the thought process of owner Kyril Louis-Dreyrus would change if he were to orchestrate a victory over Leeds.
What does the future hold for Mike Dodds at Sunderland?
Despite only taking charge of one game in the Championship so far, it is refreshing to see how Dodds is approaching the situation.
He’s shown that he isn’t scared to make bold tactical decisions – like deploying Jobe Bellingham as a lone striker – and knows how to get the best out of this youthful squad.
After all, he does work with them every day on the training ground, has built up a good rapport and has learnt a lot from Tony Mowbray’s time at the club.
He’s aware that he isn’t going to get given the job permanently and is temporarily in the managerial hot seat until Sunderland appoint the right candidate.
Indeed, his future will likely continue behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light, but if he leads the club to another statement performance on Tuesday night, perhaps he will turn more heads.