6 Will Still alternatives Sunderland AFC should consider if Reims deal doesn't happen | OneFootball

Highlights

Sunderland’s search for a new head coach is ongoing following the decision to part ways with Michael Beale in February.

An interim appointment was made in the immediate aftermath of Beale’s departure, with Mike Dodds given the reins of the first team squad until the end of the season.

But the campaign is almost drawing to a close, and time is ticking on an appointment being made official.

Will Still has been heavily linked with the role, with recent reports suggesting his current side Reims are now planning for life without the 31-year-old next season, thus indicating a move to Wearside could be close.

Sunderland should a deal for Still fail to materialise…

Danny Rohl

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl

Danny Rohl has also been linked with the vacancy at the Stadium of Light, and could be a natural second choice to Still.

The German has done an excellent job since taking over at Sheffield Wednesday, and could be willing to make the jump up the second division this summer.

While survival hasn’t been secured just yet, even getting them back into contention to stay in the Championship is impressive in its own right.

Given how far behind they were prior to his arrival, he has proven himself a very capable Championship-level coach.

If relegation does catch up to Wednesday, then Rohl may opt to change clubs and remain in the second tier and he would be a great fit at Sunderland.

He is a bright, young, up-and-coming coach that would be comfortable working under their structure behind the scenes alongside sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

Paul Heckingbottom

Paul Heckingbottom has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Sunderland head coach position.

The 46-year-old is currently out of work after being dismissed by Sheffield United earlier this season.

The guided the Blades to Premier League promotion, and could do the same for the Black Cats.

His experience at this level makes him an obvious candidate for the role.

While he may want some control over transfers, it could be worth giving him that leeway to an extent given the potential upside is a lucrative promotion to the Premier League.

Jermain Defoe

Defoe’s lack of experience would make this a big gamble, but he has been working as an underage coach at Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Sunderland striker recently put his hat into the ring for the vacancy, and could be worth considering.

While it’s unknown just how ready he is for the position, it could be a gamble worth taking if he can prove his credentials quickly.

That he is a former player at the club would also strengthen his bond to the supports, which may be needed after the difficult relationship fans had with Beale during his short-lived reign.

Martí Cifuentes

Martí Cifuentes has done an exceptional job turning things around at QPR after the team’s dismal start to the campaign under Gareth Ainsworth.

The Spaniard has guided the team out of the bottom three of the Championship, and now safety appears a likely possibility.

His attacking style of football would be an attractive proposition for Sunderland, and he could be a good fit for their Premier League ambitions.

Spending power at QPR is likely to be limited this summer, however, so the extra resources available at the Stadium of Light might be quite a compelling option for the 41-year-old.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker has experience of gaining promotion to the Premier League, having done so with both Bournemouth and Fulham.

The former midfielder has been out of work since March 2023, but he knows what it takes to be competitive at this level.

While there are some question marks over his suitability to the structure behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light, there is no denying his record at this level, which makes him appealing to any second division side.

He would also be comfortable playing younger players, having done so at previous clubs, and his possession-based style of play could be quite attractive for supporters.

Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper’s record in the Championship is also quite impressive, having led Swansea City to a play-off final, and Nottingham Forest to the top flight.

He has experience working under a sporting director from his time with the Reds, and should be comfortable in the set-up at Sunderland.

That makes him an ideal candidate for the role, and someone the Wearside outfit should definitely be considering.

If he can be convinced to step down from the Premier League to the Championship then this should be a no-brainer alternative to Still, as his results speak for themselves.