Black Cat priorities that will face the new boss
Results, therefore, must be the priority. By hook or by crook, the Black Cats need to get some results on the board andensuretheyremaininand around the automatic promotion picture - especially given thetwogamesinhandtheside currently hold.
Fornow,performancescan wait. Results are the key thing and the new manager must stamp out the draws.
Sunderland splashed out a seven-figuresumonWillGrigg in January, but he is currently without a league goal since January.
Thatsaidthough,thestriker hasn’t become a bad player overnight.Grigg’sabilityinthe third tier is well-known and, if Sunderland’s new manager can get him firing, then the Black Cats will have a real asset on their hands.
Whether it be tactical tweaks or finding a different combinationofpersonnel,the new man in the dugout must findouthowtounleashGrigg’s ability in front of goal.
The pacy attacker could be akeyplayerinthethirdtier-as shown during his handful of appearances last season.
But with injuries having stalled his progress over recent years, Watmore must be managed carefully. Whether psychologically or physically, the winger has to nurtured through the remainder of the campaign so he can make his mark.
In the short-term, Watmore could prove a dynamic new outlet for the Black Cats as they look to improve their attacking arsenal, but caution must be urged.
The forward has been rushed back before, and the samemistakecannotbemade again.
ThiscouldbeastraightforwarddecisionforRoss’successor.
Grant Leadbitter is the Black Cats’ current captain and in many ways is an ideal fit for the role. He knows what it means to play for the club and has led by example both onandoffthefieldthisseason.
But new managers often have their own ideas for the captaincy, and a new man may feel a change is needed.