Pearson is latest to say ‘no’ to boss’s job

ANOTHER candidate appears to be out of the running to be Sunderland’s next manager after reports Nigel Pearson no longer wants to be considered.

The Black Cats have found it extremely hard to entice anyone to the Stadium of Light since David Moyes resigned in May.

Last week, the club admitted in a statement that the uncertainty over who will own the club next season has hampered their search. Chairman Ellis Short is in talks with a German consortium about buying his stake, and American investors have also been linked.

New football club owners have a nasty habit of quickly sacking the managers they inherit, and that was thought to have dissuaded Derek McInnes after Sunderland agreed compensation with Aberdeen and were allowed to speak to him.

Garry Monk joined Middlesbrough after walking out on Leeds United, Chris Wilder is expected to agree a contract extension at Sheffield United after he was linked with the Black Cats, and now Mail Online is reporting Pearson does not want the job.

Pearson’s abrasive methods would have made him a divisive choice but he helped lay the foundations for Leicester City’s Premier League title and took the Foxes out of the Championship.

Sunderland were ideally looking for a British manager with extensive Football League experience, and Pearson’s time with Carlisle United, Southampton, Hull City, Derby County and two spells at Leicester weighed in his favour. So did the fact he is out of work – meaning the heavily indebted club would not have to pay compensation – and that in his last two jobs he had Kevin Phillips on his coaching staff.

Although Phillips has never managed before, some would like to see him cut his teeth at a club where he has legendary status.

The suggestion is chief executive Martin Bain is holding off making an appointment until there is more clarity over the ownership, but that he is trying to tee up a quick appointment as soon as that stage is reached.