Sunderland are into their second day of Michael Beale’s tenure, and the frustrations don’t seem to have calmed down quite yet.
The 43-year-old arrives with plenty of brilliant praise for his coaching methods with the likes of Liverpool, Rangers and QPR, but not so much his management skills.
It seems very clear that Michael Beale is a head coach and not a manager, and that is really what Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman want. Tony Mowbray was unhappy at certain things that he perhaps wasn’t in control with, and that could well have contributed to his exit.
Beale looks set to stick to the on-the-pitch antics, but I’m sure he still has certain players elsewhere that he admires and would love to bring to the club.
While it looks likely to be Speakman that will continue dealing with transfers, could he consider taking some inspiration from Beale’s previous success with specific players?
Here are three players who Michael Beale may recommend to Sunderland next month…
Andre Dozzell
It wasn’t that long ago that Andre Dozzell was being linked to the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool. But instead, he ended up at QPR.
Dozzell has made the second-most interceptions in their squad this season (18), blocked the fourth-most shots (7) and completed the third-most key passes (19).
The midfielder’s contract at Loftus Road is set to expire next summer and could look to join a new club if QPR remain threatened by relegation.
Dozzell could certainly strengthen Sunderland’s midfield and may be a cheaper option if Marti Cifuentes wants to avoid losing him for free.
Ilias Chair
Ilias Chair has been one of QPR’s biggest assets since joining the club six years ago.
The midfielder has netted 29 goals and provided 30 assists in 194 appearances in the Championship, while some of his best form came under Michael Beale. Chair claimed four goals and five assists in his first ten games under the former QPR coach.
He has continued to be a really important part of the London club’s squad this season. He has the most shots (51), the most successful dribbles (40), the second-most passes (827) and the most key passes (30).
It could take a lot to bring Chair in, but the Morocco international would be a very solid signing for Sunderland’s struggling attack.
Tim Iroegbunam
Tim Iroegbunam spent last season on loan with QPR from Aston Villa and really impressed, finishing as the runner-up for their Supporters’ Young Player of the Year award.
QPR were said to be keen on signing the midfielder again in the summer, but he remained at Villa Park.
Iroegbunam has been out injured for most of the season and could find it difficult to force his way into the high-flying Aston Villa first team now. Sunderland could do well to enquire about a potential loan deal next month.