Former Hibs and Leeds United manager emerges as top contender in Sunderland’s next managerial battle.
Sunderland are looking for a new manager, and a former Hibernian and Leeds United player is in the running.
Sunderland are said to have identified a former Hibs manager as their top target for the position of manager.
The Black Cats are looking for a new manager after the decision to replace ex-Easter Road boss Tony Mowbray with Michael Beale failed. They now have Michael Dodds in interim leadership, but they want a long-term successor after the former Rangers manager’s disastrous tenure.
According to The Sun, ex-Hibs and Leeds United player Paul Heckingbottom has been identified. According to the source, the 46-year-old is “top of Sunderland’s wanted list to be their next manager” after being ousted by Sheffield United earlier this season after leading the Blades to promotion from the Championship.
Heckingbottom had discussions on Wearside about taking over from Mowbray last year before the job was eventually given to Beale. He checks all the Sunderland boxes “but that is if he is willing to work with the current regime and way of doing things.” They want to nurture emerging talent while still retaining existing staff.
Heckingbottom began his senior career at Sunderland in 1995, however he never made a senior appearance before leaving. His management career began in 2016 with Barnsley, where he excelled sufficiently to be given the opportunity to lead Leeds United. He served from February to June 2018, before taking over at Easter Road the following year.
An initially bright start in Leith brought Hibs into the top six reckoning but a poor start to the 2019/20 season had him sacked before the year was out and with the club in 10th position. A move to Sheffield United’s academy soon followed and he worked his way up to manager.
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