Portsmouth rivals Sunderland in new managerial twist as search for Michael Beale successor enters 114th day

Pompey rivals Sunderland look set to extend their protracted search for a new manager.

It’s been a staggering 114 days since the Black Cats parted company with Michael Beale on February 19 after 12 games in charge. But they appear no closer to appointing a permanent successor to the former Rangers boss following the latest twist in their managerial hunt.

According to our sister paper, the Sunderland Echo, Liam Rosenior emerged as the latest frontrunner for the role after holding talks with the Stadium of Light outfit. Yet it’s been reported that there’s been no progress on those discussions, while the ex-Hull and Derby boss is ‘increasingly unlikely’ to be in charge of Sunderland for the 2024-25 Championship campaign.

Rosenior’s emergence as a leading candidate for the vacant Burnley job is believed to be a factor. But many Black Cat fans are, supposedly, increasingly worried that the club's structure could be making it difficult to land candidates.

The latest development comes after Will Still - Sunderland’s long-term preferred option - was officially confirmed as the new RC Lens head coach on Monday. He, too, held talks with the club after leaving his role at Stade de Reims before the end of last season. A deal was believed to be almost done, only for Lens to steal a match on Sunderland as they completed their search for a successor to OC Nice managerial appointment Franck Heisse.

Former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen was also a contender, but that prospect was ruled out over the weekend. That leaves current QPR boss Marti Cifuentes as the new bookies’ favourite, although luring him away from Loftus Road will require ‘significant compensation’.

Mike Dodds was appointed interim head coach following the sacking of Beale. He guided the Black Cats to a 16th-place finish in last season’s Championship after inheriting a team placed 10th in the table.

The 2024-25 season kicks off in 60 day’s time on August 10. Meanwhile, the summer transfer window officially opens for business on Friday.

Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus told Black Cats fans that a decision was 'hopefully imminent' last week. It took Pompey just 18 days to appoint John Mousinho as Danny Cowley’s successor in January 2023. The former Oxford United defender guided the Blues back to the Championship in his first full season at the club.