Although the Black Cats were barely in the playoffs, they controversially fired Tony Mowbray in December and brought in Michael Beale in his place. However, the 43-year-old was not successful at the Stadium of Light.
Beale was fired last month by Sunderland because he was not a unanimously liked pick. In his 12 games as manager, he won just four, drew two, and lost six.
Mike Dodds will take over as interim manager until the summer, although he lost his first game in charge on Saturday when his team lost 2-1 at home to Swansea City.
The Black Cats currently sit 10th in the table, eight points from the play-offs, and they are back in action when they make the trip to face in-form Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.
| Championship Table (As it stands February 26th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 9 | Coventry City | 34 | 11 | 51 |
| 10 | Sunderland | 34 | 7 | 47 |
| 11 | Watford | 34 | 3 | 44 |
| 12 | Bristol City | 34 | 0 | 44 |
| 13 | Middlesbrough | 33 | -2 | 44 |
| 14 | Cardiff City | 34 | -9 | 44 |
| 15 | Plymouth Argyle | 34 | -4 | 40 |
| 16 | Blackburn Rovers | 34 | -12 | 39 |
Journalist Alan Nixon claims that if Dodds performs well between now and the conclusion of the season, he could have a chance to become a full-time employee. Additionally, the 37-year-old is well-liked by Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman.
Along with Mark Papszun, Paul Heckingbottom, and Steve Cooper, former manager Alex Neil is apparently open to a surprise return to the team. However, given the way he left for Stoke City last August, it seems improbable.
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