"His ego would suggest.." - Simon Grayson touts Steve Cooper for Sunderland job | OneFootball

Simon Grayson has given his verdict on the possibility of Steve Cooper taking charge at his former club Sunderland.

According to Teamtalk, Cooper is on the shortlist of potential appointments as the next head coach of the Wearside outfit.

Sunderland opted to dismiss Michael Beale after just 63 days earlier this week, leaving the team sitting outside the play-off places.

Defeats to Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town proved the final straw, ending his reign with back-to-back losses after just nine weeks.

Beale replaced Tony Mowbray in December, with the club hoping he could lead the club to a play-off place in the Championship this season.

Grayson gives Cooper at Sunderland verdict

Grayson has questioned whether Cooper would be willing to take the step down to the second tier after managing in the top flight with Nottingham Forest.

However, he believes a project like the one at the Stadium of Light could be enticing enough to convince the 44-year-old given the size of the club.

“He brought Nottingham Forest up from the Championship," said Grayson via Instant Casinos.

“He’s been linked with Premier League clubs and never quite got that opportunity but it’s not been that long since he left Forest and there have not been too many jobs available.

“I think that would be a good fit for both parties.

“Would Steve be willing to drop down to the Championship? His ego would suggest that he would do with a huge club like Sunderland but maybe he’s holding out to see what’s around the corner with any Premier League opportunities as well.

“I think he would be a good appointment.”

Michael Beale's Sunderland record

Beale oversaw just 13 games in charge of Sunderland, winning just four, which led to intense scrutiny over his position prior to his dismissal.

A high profile incident with Trai Hume against Birmingham City also called into question his relationship with the players, as he was spotted turning down a high-five opportunity with the defender after he was substituted.

Sunderland are competing for promotion to the Premier League, having last competed in the division in 2017.

Mowbray guided the team to a top six finish last year, but narrowly missed out on promotion with a 3-2 play-off semi-final loss to Luton Town.

Recent form has seen a wide gap emerge between the Black Cats and the top six, which interim manager Mike Dodds has been tasked with bridging.

The 37-year-old has been placed in charge of the Sunderland team until the end of the campaign.

Cooper would be a promising appointment

Cooper’s time at Nottingham Forest was quite impressive, even if it came to an underwhelming end this season.

He guided the club back to the Premier League through the play-offs, despite taking over the team in the relegation zone that term.

Not only that, but he ensured their survival in the top flight, bringing a second Premier League campaign to the City Ground without too much difficulty.

If Sunderland want to fight for promotion to the top flight, then Cooper has the experience they may need to gain a competitive edge on rivals.