Roundup: SAFC caretaker leaves to reunite with Moyes & former midfielder said to be battling cancer

Yesterday evening the club announced that co-caretaker manager Billy McKinlay had decided to leave his position as joint manager of the club in order to link up with former Sunderland manager David Moyes - now managing at West Ham United:

Sunderland AFC can confirm that Billy McKinlay has taken up a coaching role with West Ham United.

The club would like to thank Billy for his efforts during his time on Wearside.

Robbie Stockdale will continue as the club’s caretaker manager when the squad returns to training on Monday.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

Robbie Stockdale will now be the sole temporary manager as the club continue to look for a new permanent boss after relieving Simon Grayson of his duties almost a fortnight ago.

McKinlay did not have a contract with the club, meaning the Scot was allowed to leave with minimal notice - a move which will also see Sunderland receive no compensation. All eyes will now fall upon Robbie Stockdale who looks set to potentially lead the side into Saturday’s game against Milwall.

The uncertainty continues on Wearside, and fans can only hope that Martin Bain has a suitable candidate lined up to take the reigns of a club in serious trouble.

On the topic of managerial targets, the search for a new manager continues. And, as reported earlier by Roker Report, alleged suitor Paolo Montero has left his role as Rosario Central boss after being linked with the Sunderland job earlier last week.

The decision to leave was more about poor performances and a cup loss rather than a determined desire to manage in England, but Montero’s decision to leave the Argentinian side has definitely raised some eyebrows.

Aitor Karanka, Paul Heckingbottom, Ally McCoist, Uwe Rosler, and Phil Brown are the bookies’ five favourites - an interesting bunch to say the least.

However, if truth be told, this feels very much like a case of shooting in the dark as limited information on the issue has left everyone picking their brains for possible targets.

It certainly feels as though any of the aforementioned targets could be a viable appointment, such is the dreadful position in which we find ourselves.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

And finally, awful news broke on social media yesterday that former Sunderland midfielder Liam Miller is apparently battling with cancer. Teammates and friends flocked to offer well-wishes and thoughts to the Irish midfielder who played for the club between 2006-2009.

Chris Sutton, Tam McManus, Ian Harte, Charlie Adam, Noel Hunt, and Alex Bruce are but a few of those offering their thoughts to the Cork man as he goes through what will be an unbelievably difficult time in his life.

Miller was brought to the club in 2009 by Roy Keane and made 57 appearances for the club scoring 3 goals - including a phenomenal 89th minute equaliser against Middlesbrough. The former Celtic player also featured heavily during that Roy Keane inspired renaissance, and was part of the side that won promotion under the tutelage of his former United teammate.

Miller is fondly remembered on Wearside, and fans will be eager to do all they can in offering help and support to the 36 year old as he undergoes this difficult ordeal.