Simon Grayson identifies "strange" Sunderland decision that has backfired | OneFootball

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 told Betway.

"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.

"Sunderland have a talented young squad and it will be a shame to lose their top players if they chop and change coaches. "Identifying a way of playing can help them push for a play-off spot. "It is one of frustration for them because they got into a very good position under Tony, and I think that is a decision that is going to be tough to work out and understand.

"We talk about hindsight being a big thing, but that just seemed a strange decision at the time. It's backfired on them without a shadow of doubt."

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus facing crucial summer at Sunderland

As Grayson says, it has been a turbulent season for Sunderland, and there are a number of big decisions facing the club this summer.

The decision to replace Mowbray with Beale was undoubtedly a mistake, and there is huge pressure on owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to get the next appointment right.

While recent results against Leeds United and West Brom have strengthened his case, it seems unlikely that Dodds will be given the permanent job, and Louis-Dreyfus must ensure he brings in a manager that will not only play attractive football, but someone who will be suited to the club's model of developing young players.

In addition to the managerial appointment, the Black Cats will have to decide whether to cash in on some of their key players, with the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Ballard, Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke all likely to attract interest.