HOW WILL TAKEOVER TALKS AFFECT BLACK CATS?
AS SUNDERLAND’S RECRUITMENT PROCESS BECOMES COMPLICATED DUE TO TALK OF POTENTIAL NEW OWNERS,
Sunderland have confirmed that their search for a new manager has been complicated by talk of potential new owners at the club.
The recruitment process will continue but an appointment no longer seems imminent as the club had hoped earlier in the week.
The club statement released on Friday evening at least offered an element of clarity for fans but unavoidably, the prospect of a takeover leaves an element of uncertainty.
So how will the Black Cats’ pre-season plans be affected?
The club is a difficult sell while they progress and while Bain will have to remain active should the talks amount to nothing, he will find it difficult to tempt managers who have stability elsewhere.
Invariably, a change of ownership at a club involves a change of manager somewhere down the line.
Only last season, new owners at Wolves saw Kenny Jackett quickly replaced with Walter Zenga.
New owners at Birmingham City replaced Gary Rowett, who was doing sterling work, with Gianfranco Zola.
In all likelihood, it means Sunderland may well have a greater chance of attracting a free agent eager to get back in the game, regardless of how talks develop in the coming days and weeks.
A takeover followed by new owners appointing their own manager would offer an element of stability and is the outcome many fans will be hoping for.
Should the talks collapse, a new manager faces a limited budget and a very limited amount of time to prepare for the new season. That will be a tough sell.
Sunderland are still to make their first signing ahead of the new season.
That in itself isn’t too great a concern, with a few second tier clubs in the same position. The Black Cats are, however, the only side in the league without a manager after Leeds United appointed Thomas Christiansen on Thursday.
That clearly leaves them at a disadvantage when it comes to recruiting players, with some being targeted by David Moyes having already either moved clubs or started the process.
When operating on a limited budget as Sunderland are, sound planning is an absolute must and that is difficult without a manager to drive the process.
Those financial limitations also mean that the Black Cats are going to be reliant on operating soundly in both the loan and free agent market.
The longer Sunderland are unable to make their move, the lower the calibre of player they will be able to target.
In recent seasons, Sunderland have too often been forced to make their interven-