Robbie is left to take Stock after Coleman’s sacking
DISMISSAL ‘A SHOCK’ FOR CARETAKER
ROBBIE Stockdale has spoken of his ‘shock and surprise’ at learning of Chris Coleman’s sacking.
Stockdale will be in caretaker charge of Sunderland’s final game of the season against Championship winners Wolves at the Stadium of Light tomorrow following the departure of Coleman last weekend as part of the process which has seen a consortium led by Eastleigh owner Stewart Donald agree a deal to buy the Black Cats.
It is the second stint as temporary boss for first team coach Stockdale, who also oversaw two games in November in the interim period between the sacking of Simon Grayson and Coleman’s appointment.
He admits he did not see this latest managerial change coming.
“It was a feeling of shock and surprise when I found out,” said the
Teessider.
“I was watching my youngest son’s football match on Sunday morning and someone asked me if I had seen the news and it came through from the chief executive.
“I was really disappointed because Chris and Kit were good guys, excellent people, and it was a real coup to get them from Wales.
“Martin (Bain, Sunderland’s chief executive) asked me to take the team and of course I said yes.”
Asked about the reaction of the players, he added: “I don’t think any of us saw it coming.
“When I heard the news on Sunday morning it took me aback and I think if you ask any of the players they would say the same thing.”
Stockdale has drawn upon the support of a number of figures at the Academy of Light this week, including former player and caretaker-manager Kevin Ball and academy manager Jimmy Sinclair.
On Sunday he will have under-23 coaches Elliott Dickman and Cliff Byrne in the dugout alongside him.
He added: “I have had the under23 staff with me helping out, so it is good experience for them and Bally has been in and around it offering advice too!
“On Sunday I will have Elliot, Cliff and our goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker on the bench with me.”
Stockdale has largely the same squad to choose from as Coleman took to Fulham a week ago, although Bryan Oviedo is available again.
Billy Jones will miss out - and there is a question mark over the fitness of George Honeyman.
Stockdale said: “The players who were injured at Fulham are still out, with the exception of Bryan Oviedo who is back in the squad.
“Billy came off at Fulham with a hamstring problem and he is out, and potentially George Honeyman too.
“George is desperate to play but I might have to take that decision away from him.
“He was kicked on the ankle early in the game at Fulham and was hobbling around.
“Typical George, he had a go at training today and says he feels fine - and if he can play he will.”
Stockdale says he will make some alterations but has ruled out making wholesale changes.
He added: “The young lads have pretty much been playing but there might be opportunities – I have not really settled on a team as yet.
“I don’t want to throw in players who are not really ready for it yet – although they will be in time, I don’t want to put them down – because you don’t want to give them a debut and for it not to be the experience they were hoping for and it might be too much for them.
“It is a balancing act but we have had them involved and they will be better for the experience.”