Former Sunderland manager Simon Grayson believes the decision to sack Tony Mowbray has backfired on the club.
Mowbray led the Black Cats to the play-offs in their first year back in the Championship last season, and his side made a strong start to this campaign, but the club made the shock decision to sack the 60-year-old in December, despite sitting just outside the top six at the time.
Michael Beale was appointed as Mowbray’s replacement, but he was an unpopular choice among Sunderland supporters, and he was dismissed in February after picking up just four wins from his 12 games in charge.
Mike Dodds is currently in interim charge of the Black Cats until the end of the season, but after enjoying a strong spell as caretaker following Mowbray’s exit, he has found it tougher this time around.
Sunderland recorded an impressive 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but they currently sit 13th in the table, and the play-offs are out of reach with just three games of the season remaining.
With nothing left to play for this season, attention is turning to the next managerial appointment, and a host of names have been linked with the role, including Alex Neil, Marek Papszun, Paul Heckingbottom, Steve Cooper, Will Still, Roy Keane, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Scott Parker and Danny Rohl.
Grayson: Mowbray sacking was a big mistake by Sunderland
Grayson, who had an underwhelming spell in charge of Sunderland in 2017, says the decision to sack Mowbray has been costly for the Black Cats this season, and he believes identifying a style of play can help the club to move forward.
“After an excellent season last year, this year has been turbulent for the club,” Grayson said.
“Losing Tony Mowbray who was doing a good job was a surprise to many.
“Moving into next season, the club must identify the Head Coach they want to take the team forward and also the philosophy they want to follow.
