According to the Northern Echo, Michael Beale will take command of Sunderland’s upcoming match against Coventry City.
Sunderland have been looking for Tony Mowbray’s replacement for a few weeks. Following their 1-1 draw against Millwall, the Black Cats stripped Mowbray of his duties in order to take the next step back towards the Premier League.
Several names were associated with the post, but the unifying thread was that each name was that of a young, foreign coach.
Will Still was apparently Sunderland’s top target, but those conversations looked to fall through, and Beale took the lead.
Late last week, numerous credible sources began stating that Beale’s transfer to Sunderland was a done deal, but when no announcement came, it looked that this was not the case.
However, the Northern Echo has reported that an announcement is imminent and that he will be in the dugout this weekend.
Earning the trust
Beale was fired as Rangers manager earlier this year. Despite having a high win %, he left Ibrox with little to show for it. Many Sunderland fans are skeptical of this appointment, and only time will tell how it turns out. However, he is known as a strong coach, which may be sufficient in Sunderland’s setup.
Interim head coach Mike Dodds guided Sunderland to two victories in two games against top-six rivals West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United. Sunderland were unable to build on this success last Saturday, falling to Bristol City.
The goal scoring position remains a concern for the Wearsiders, and fans will be hopeful that Beale has the answers.
Sunderland’s first game under Beale is expected to be on Saturday at home against Coventry City.
