Former Black Cat Whitehead eyeing managerial role with The New Saints
Sunderland suffered a very minor blip in League One last weekend.
The Black Cats drew against promotion rivals Lincoln City on Saturday and face relegation strugglers Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium this weekend.
Lee Johnson’s men will be aiming to make it 12 unbeaten in all competitions.
As usual, however, there is still plenty of Sunderland talk and general League One gossip swirling around the web.
Former Cat Dean Whitehead has emerged as a potential candidate for a vacancy at Cymru Premier side The New Saints .
The Abingdon-born former Sunderland player made 200 appearances whilst on Wearside between 2004 and 2009.
And the Shropshire Star reports that the 39-year-old ex-Stoke City midfielder is the latest candidate to the linked with the role after the shock departure of Scott Ruscoe.
He had most recently been working as assistant manager to Sam Ricketts at League One club Shrewsbury Town. However, the pair left New Meadow in November.
Whitehead has also gained experience as a coach to David Wagner at Huddersfield
Town. Whitehead has his UEFA A Licence and is currently studying for his Pro Licence with the Scottish Football Association.
Meanwhile, Sunderland and Newcastle United could well end up facing each other in the Championship next season.
The Black Cats still are just five points off first place, but have two games in hand over league-leaders Hull City and a game to come against the Tigers.
And Johnson’s side are unbeaten in their past 11 games in all competitions and have only lost once in their last 17
Sunderland also have promotion rivals Peterborough United, who occupy second place, to play in League One.
The Magpies, however, sit on the edge of the Premier League’s relegation zone and just two points ahead of 18th placed Fulham.
Indeed, Steve Bruce’s side hasn’t won in their last six outings and have only taken two points from a possible 18.
The form of both North East clubs has produced some interesting odds from SkyBet.
At the time of writing, Sunderland are priced at 4/9 to win promotion from League One, whilst Newcastle are 8/11 to be relegated to the Premier League.