Sunderland is actively searching for a replacement for Tony Mowbray, as two managers now on top

Sunderland is actively searching for a replacement for Tony Mowbray, and there are rumors circulating about potential candidates for the managerial position. The club aims to make the appointment soon after this weekend’s Championship fixture against West Brom, with the objective of propelling the team up the division.

Mowbray’s dismissal may seem harsh, given that Sunderland is only three points off the playoffs, currently in ninth place. However, the decision is driven by the desire to align the manager with the club’s long-term vision rather than immediate on-field results. The Black Cats are looking for a forward-thinking figure to match their youthful squad, viewing Mowbray as a competent short-term option.

Reports suggest that Kieran McKenna and Will Still are among the favorites to replace Mowbray. The club’s ambitions are evident, and they are willing to pursue unorthodox choices to fill the vacancy. The new manager will need to align with the ethos outlined by chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, emphasizing sustainability, success, a high-performance culture, and a strong playing identity.

Julien Sable, currently the assistant manager at OGC Nice, is reportedly on Sunderland’s shortlist. Although unproven as a first-team boss, Sable is highly regarded for his role at Nice, where the team is currently in second place in Ligue 1. His managerial style focuses on defensive resilience, with only one defeat and five goals conceded in 14 games.

Sunderland’s hierarchy hopes that Sable, a promising 43-year-old assistant, can bring out the best in the team’s attackers while maintaining a solid defense. Sable has experience as a caretaker manager at Saint-Etienne and is eager to secure a permanent managerial role. Considering potential complications in pursuing other candidates, such as Will Still, Sable could represent an ideal alternative.

While acknowledging the need for adaptation to English football, Sunderland may view Sable as a long-term managerial solution. The club hopes that, given time, Sable can become the manager they’ve been searching for to lead Sunderland to success for years to come.