Dan could be the man to take over the hotseat at Stadium of Light
WEARMEN ‘IN DISCUSSIONS’ WITH EX-BARNSLEY COACH
SUNDERLAND are understood to have made contact with former Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel as they seek a replacement for Jack Ross.
The Black Cats sacked Ross on Tuesday after less than 18 months in charge with the club sixth in League One, four points outside the automatic promotion places with a quarter of the season gone.
Stendel, who was also sacked by the Tykes on Tuesday, is a leading contender to fill the vacancy with Sunderland owner Stewart Donald confirming: “I am sure he will be somebody we will potentially look at.”
A source in Stendel’s native Germany has told The Chronicle there has already been a discussion between the 45-year-old and figures at the Stadium of Light. Stendel was appointed as Barnsley manager in the summer of 2018. He led the club to automatic promotion from League One in his first season in charge, finishing runners-up behind Luton Town, and six points ahead of the Black Cats who finished fifth under Ross and lost out to Charlton Athletic in the play-off final at Wembley.
Stendel was named EFL League One manager of the year for his achievements last season.
However, this season he has found it considerably tougher in the Championship and his departure from Oakwell came with the South Yorkshire side having gone ten games without a win and sitting nextto-bottom of the table.
One source of tension behind the scenes is understood to be Stendel had become frustrated at his lack of influence in the club’s transfer policy.
The Tykes have adopted a model of signing only players under the age of 24 when Stendel felt he needed to bring in one or two experienced heads to help with the transition to the Championship. Stendel is not the only name under consideration by Sunderland and a number of other managers have put their names forward for the role.
Ian Holloway, whose lengthy resume includes managerial spells at QPR, Blackpool and Crystal Palace, is among those who have expressed interest in the job. Ex-boss Sam Allarydce has also been linked with the vacant post.
There has already been a discussion between the 45-year-old and figures at the Stadium of Light James Hunter