Coleman sacking ‘shock’ to Robbie
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Robbie Stockdale admits that Chris Coleman’s sacking came as a big shock to the Sunderland backroom staff.
Coleman (pictured) was sacked by chief executive Martin Bain last Sunday morning shortly before it was announced that Ellis Short had sold the club to a consortium led by Stewart Donald, subject to EFL approval.
Sunderland pulled off a ma- jor coup to at- tract former Wales boss Coleman to the Stadium of Light last No- vember, but he was unable to steer the club to Champion- ship safety.
Coleman wanted to remain on Wearside to lead the League One promotion charge, but he was sacked ahead of the new regime taking charge,
First-team coach Stockdale has spoken to Coleman via text and phone calls this week and revealed that the Welshman was upset and disappointed to be leaving Sunderland early.
Stockdale said: “It was a shock. I was surprised when I heard the news and I think we’re all, within the building, very disappointed he has gone, along with Kit [Symons].
“They were excellent to work for, great people. I thought it was a real coup to get them and I’m sure they will have numerous opportunities and will choose the right one.
“I have spoken to Chris via text and by ringing him a few times.
“He was [upset]. We were putting in plans for next year – for him not to see that through disappointed him, but that is the reality of football.
“You are never really surprised by what goes on, but it was a shock at the time.”
Coleman, who was willing to take a pay cut to stay, had openly spoken of his desire to stay in charge of Sunderland in the third tier.
Stockdale added: “Yes, he’d come out and said that. Th ese things happen. It i s one guarantee in football that you will lose your job occasionally.
“He is fine and will move on, along with Kit. We wish them well for the future. “The last two months, performances had picked up – the players were certainly playing for him.
“It would be unfair for me to surmise how the players are feeling, but I imagine it wouldn’t be too far away from how the staff are feeling.”
Stockdale, who takes charge for Sunderland’s final Championship game of the season at home to Wolves tomorrow, admitted it had been a “long week” at the Academy of Light, but he says the players and staff have no choice but to “suck it up and get on with it.”
Donald’s takeover is still awaiting approval by the EFL, a decision could come in the next week. When asked if the new owners were to offer Stockdale the job, what would he say, he added: “I think it would be highly unlikely. I don’t want to get into that.
“I have not met who potentially the new owners could be or anything like that. I would say it is unlikely.”