We asked FIVE ex-Sunderland players who our next manager should be - here’s what they said...

Danny Collins said...

After the club parted company with Jack Ross this week and looking at the possible names linked with the job, I think there’s two names that stick out.

Gareth Ainsworth. He’s done a great job at Wycombe Wanderers, getting them promoted into League One and they are currently sat second in the table, working with a lower budget than most.

Some fans may wonder if he has the ability to handle the pressure and expectations of a club like Sunderland, but only time would tell.

Another is Kevin Phillips. Obviously Kevin has a great bond with the fans and the club from his time here as a player. He’s now been coaching for a few years gaining experience and I’m sure he would now love the opportunity to manage the club.

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Carlos Edwards said...

Is Roy not in the frame? Roy could probably get a tune out of players at this level, but I’d go for my former manager Neil Harris who has just left Millwall.

He’s got a history of getting teams out of League One and he solidified them in the Championship.

It’s a big club and a big challenge for him that he’d probably be ready for, but Millwall is a crazy club too and he did a really good job there.

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Paul Thirlwell said...

It’s never a good day when someone loses their job, but unfortunately it’s part of football. He seemed like a nice guy, even without knowing him.

As for the next manager, I’d go all out for Sam Allardyce, if he’d take the job.

We all want free flowing football to watch, but’s about results and getting us out of this league. That’s exactly what he’s all about and I think we’d be in a safe pair of hands.

I have to say that’s my head talking though, my heart is saying Super Kev.

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Matt Kilgallon said...

I would give ex-Millwall manager Neil Harris a call.

Every player that has worked with him always seems to speak highly of him. He’s passionate on the sidelines and gets his team working really hard, which the Sunderland fans will love. He’s also been promoted out of League One so he knows what it takes.

For all of the above, that’s why he’d get the nod for me.

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Nicky Summerbee said...

Mickey Gray!

There’s no more of a Sunderland man, and Castletown lad, than him. You could throw a stone from his house and it would reach the ground.

He’d need experience with him though, and who he brings in around him would be absolutely vital. He’s inexperienced yes, but the only way to learn is to be given the chance.

So Sunderland, make me happy and give him that chance!

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