Sunderland have included Stockport County manager Dave Challinor on their final three-man shortlist for their vacant managerial post, as per reporter Alan Nixon.
Sunderland have been on the lookout for a new boss for some time now.
They parted ways with Michael Beale over 100 days ago back in February, placing Mike Dodds in charge until the end of the season. It was hoped that the move would allow the Black Cats to make an appointment soon after the campaign’s end.
However, the season is done and dusted and the Championship’s 16th place side remain managerless.
Frustration has grown with speculation persisting and now, a shock name has emerged on the final three-man shortlist.
Pascal Jansen and Stephen Robinson have both been linked recently and as per reporter Alan Nixon, they both feature on the list. Alongside them though is a surprise contender in the form of Stockport County manager Dave Challinor, Nixon has said on his Patreon
A shock candidate
Challinor’s emergence as a contender marks yet another new name entering the reckoning, and it night just be the most surprising of the lot.
The 48-year-old worked his way into the Stockport County job after spells at AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United and has now led the Hatters to two promotions. They most recently won the League Two title, booking their place in the third-tier for next season.
His work in the lower leagues has been impressive but having never managed at a level higher than League Two, it would certainly come as a big surprise if he made a huge jump to the Championship with a club of Sunderland’s stature.
Challinor is under a long-term contract with Stockport County. He penned a three-year deal at Edgeley Park last summer, keeping him onboard until 2026.
The final three…
With Sunderland claimed to have narrowed it down to three final contenders, you have to feel that the club hierarchy are finally closing in on naming their permanent Beale successor
Of the three linked – Jansen, Robinson and Challinor – you have to feel that ex-AZ Alkmaar boss Jansen will be the favoured choice.
He’s out of work so no compensation will be required and he’s managed at the highest level of the three. Current St. Mirren boss Robinson guided his side to 6th in the Scottish Premiership this season but has not managed in the Championship before either.
Time will tell just how the hunt pans out, but these Challinor links will certainly take people by surprise.
