LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Chairman of Sunderland reacts during the on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Following the sacking of Michael Beale last month, Sunderland have been without a permanent manager with Dodds being put in charge on an interim basis until the summer.
The hunt for a permanent manager has been going on in the background though and the name of Heckingbottom has come up.
The 46-year-old has been without a job since being sacked by Sheffield United in December after dreadful form in the Premier League.
The model at Sunderland, with young players the focus, has led some to feel the managerial post would not attract all managers.
