Michael Beale is in advanced talks to become Sunderland’s new manager.
The 43-year-old is set to be named as Tony Mowbray’s successor at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have spoken to a series of potential candidates – with Reims boss Will Still thought to be among them – since Mowbray’s departure, but they appear to have made ground with Beale amid suggestions he could watch Saturday’s Championship fixture at Bristol City from the stands.
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Sunderland parted company with Mowbray earlier this month, with his departure coming two days after a 1-1 draw at Millwall – a result that extended a run of one win from five games.
Mike Dodds was put in interim charge and he has helped the club to two wins from two games, beating West Brom and Leeds to leave them sixth in the Championship table with Beale poised to take over.
Beale has previously managed QPR in the Championship before a spell with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
He moved to west London in the summer of 2022 and led QPR to the top of the Championship before turning down a move to the Premier League with Wolves in October of the same year.
However, a month later Beale, who also served as Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Rangers when they won the Premiership title in 2020-21, moved back to Glasgow to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst but could only lead Rangers to a second-place finish up against Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic.
He was eventually dismissed after just six league games of the next campaign after a 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen left them third in the table and has been out of the game since leaving Ibrox
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Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips discusses the club’s new manager hunt, Jobe Bellingham’s future role and the upcoming Cup clash with Newcastle
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have led the search for Mowbray’s replacement as they attempt to recruit the man they want to implement their blueprint for lasting success on Wearside.
Interim boss Dodds has done his reputation little harm after the victories over West Brom and Leeds, and he will be in the dugout once again on Saturday at Ashton Gate.
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Following their 1-0 win over Leeds United, Sunderland interim manager Mike Dodds refused to be drawn on whether he’ll become the full-time boss
Free match highlights: Sunderland make it back-to-back wins under Dodds
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Highlights of the SkyBet Championship match between Sunderland and West Brom
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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship game between Sunderland and Leeds
Championship table
Sunderland’s next six fixtures…
Saturday December 16: Bristol City (A) – Championship, kick-off 3pmSaturday December 23: Coventry (H) – kick-off 3pmTuesday December 26: Hull (A) – Championship, kick-off 3pmFriday December 29: Rotherham (A) – Championship, kick-off 7.45pmMonday January 1: Preston North End (H) – Championship, kick-off 12.30pm (live on Sky Sports)Saturday January 6: Newcastle (H) – FA Cup, kick-off 12.45pm
David Prutton’s Bristol City vs Sunderland prediction…
It is not really working out for Liam Manning so far. It is early days, but the popularity of his predecessor Nigel Pearson at Bristol City meant he really had to hit the ground running with good results – but it is just one win in six.
Sunderland have enjoyed a great week under interim boss Mike Dodds. Two wins against two top opponents at the Stadium of Light will see them full of confidence heading to Ashton Gate. Away win.
Prediction: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds)
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