Sunderland ‘identify’ two managerial targets ahead of Cardiff City clash

Cardiff City’s next opponents Sunderland continue to search for a new manager weeks after sacking their second boss of the season. The Bluebirds are currently on international break, left to mull over a disappointing performance and a South Wales derby defeat to Swansea City.

When they return, City will look to return to winning ways having won four on the bounce prior to their visit to the white half of South Wales. Standing in their way will be a Sunderland side who have seen their season go off the rails in recent weeks.

The Black Cats were on the edge of the playoffs when they sacked Tony Mowbray earlier in the season and replace him with former Rangers boss Michael Beale. Beale did not improve their position, but they remained in with a shot of making the top six when they decided to sack Beale.

Since then, they have slid down the Championship table to 12th, one position below Cardiff and five points worse off. Mike Dodds is in temporary charge, and he will remain in the position until the end of the season, with the Black Cats hoping to get this appointment right.

A number of bosses have been linked, and one of the latest to reportedly appear on their shortlist is Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl. It’s unclear whether Rohl can keep Wednesday in the division, but has given them a fighting chance, something they did not have after a disastrous start to the season.

i News also claim Stade Reims boss Will Still – who is something of an internet favourite due to his hard-working roots and uneasy path to football management – is also a potential target as Sunderland look to lock in a new boss ahead of the summer.