The Sunderland owners are facing mounting criticism for their recent appointment of Michael Beale, who is already the subject of growing discontent from fans.
Seven games in, and Beale has taken two wins as Sunderland boss, with his side having lost their last three in all competitions.
Those three include a 3-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United in the FA Cup earlier this month, with the last defeat being a 1-0 defeat against Hull City at the Stadium of Light.
The result may have been forgiven, but the performance was unforgivable; the Black Cats never looked like troubling the opposition and look as though they’ve taken huge steps backwards in terms of their playing style, as opposed to before under Tony Mowbray.
There’s growing calls on social media for Beale to be sacked now, although that possibility has been played down. And it looks as though the Sunderland board may be on the verge of another potentially divisive decision.
Sunderland star Alex Pritchard is a wanted man
Pritchard, 30, sees his Sunderland contract expire in the summer, in what his third year at the club.
And many might argue that in the last few weeks we’ve seen the very best of Pritchard in a Sunderland shirt.
He’s now on one goal and five assists for the season but his overall play in the past few weeks has impressed; in the 1-0 win over Leeds United last month, the Englishman earned a standing ovation from Sunderland fans, and a 9/10 rating from Sunderland Echo.
But it’s said that Mowbray is keen to bring Pritchard to Birmingham City amid uncertainty over his future on Wearside, with talks reported to have taken place, whilst Serie B outfit Como are also keeping tabs on Pritchard’s situation.
Kristjaan Speakman and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus need to avoid Pritchard sale
Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman haven’t covered themselves in glory over this recent appointment of Beale.
It might yet work out and it might prove to be the correct decision but this current trajectory and unrest suggests otherwise; given the club’s progress over the past few years and their ambition under the current regime though, both Speakman and Louis-Dreyfus’ stock remains relatively high.
But the pair could face yet more unrest if they choose to sell Pritchard.
Sunderland are really lacking in attack quality and experience too; two things that Pritchard offers in bundles, so selling him amid what is arguably his best vein of form since joining the club seems ludicrous.
It would only make sense from a financial point of view, but that’s providing that the club doesn’t offer him a new contract which would be another poor decision in itself.
So the latest news regarding Pritchard is making for yet more grim reading among Sunderland fans and the under-fire Beale will surely be eager to see him stay beyond this month’s transfer window, as he vies to get the Sunderland fans back on board.
Sunderland go up against Stoke City in the Championship this weekend.