Sunderland take step forward with Liam Rosenior as appointment looms | OneFootball

Sunderland are set to hold further talks with Liam Rosenior about the vacant managerial role at The Stadium of Light.

That's according to a report from journalist Alan Nixon, who says that the 39-year-old is moving up the Black Cats' list of potential options to take on the position.

Rosenior has been out of work since the end of the season, when he was sacked by Sunderland's Championship rivals, Hull City.

That was despite guiding the Tigers to a seventh place finish in the Championship standings, and being nominated for the division's manager of the season award.

Now however, it seems as though Rosenior could be closing in on a return to management in the second-tier of English football with Sunderland.

Liam Rosenior set for second round of Sunderland talks

For their part, the Black Cats have been searching for a new permanent manager since sacking Michael Beale back in February.

Mike Dodds was in interim charge for the final months of the 2023/24 campaign. However, it appears they are now closing in on a long-term replacement for Beale.

According to this latest update, Sunderland are due to hold a second round of talks with Rosenior about taking over the Black Cats.

The former Hull boss was apparently a initial target for the Stadium of Light club at the end of the season.

At that point though, Rosenior was said to be keen to explore his options, although it is now suggested that Sunderland could be the best option for him.

It is thought that the 39-year-old held initial talks with those tasked with finding the Black Cats a new manager last week.

He is now expected to meet with the club for another set of negotiations that will involve discussions over budget and staffing.

Reportedly, Sunderland have missed out on other targets, while other potential candidates - such as QPR boss Marti Cifuentes - are still in work and would therefore cost compensation.

As a result, it is claimed that Rosenior is climbing back up the Black Cats' shortlist of potential options as they search for a new manager.

Last season, Sunderland finished the campaign 16th in the Championship table, six points clear of the bottom three, although they never looked in danger of being dragged into a relegation fight.

Liam Rosenior could be a good appointment for the Black Cats

It does feel as though the move to appoint Rosenior could be a good for those in charge at The Stadium of Light to make, if they do so.

The 39-year-old already knows the Championship well from his time in management, and so would be prepared for the challenge that could be about to come his way if he takes over.

Indeed, he arguably exceeded expectations at Hull last season, and so could be a good appointment to help get Sunderland themselves back up the table.

After so long searching for a new manager, the pressure is now building on the Black Cats to find their permanent replacement for Beale.

That is particularly the case now that attention needs to turn to the business of putting together a squad for next season in the transfer window.

Moving for someone like Rosenior who is out of work and therefore does require negotiations with another club, could therefore be useful for a now relatively quick appointment that they need.

With that in mind, it would seem to make sense for a number of reasons, for Sunderland to move to bring the former Hull manager to the Stadium of Light.