CAT-ASTROPHE
Sunderland seek swift call on boss after shock defeat
By RICH FEWLASS at the Stadium of Light
INTERIM manager Mike Dodds admitted he does not know if he will be in charge of Sunderland on Tuesday night after watching them suffer a shock defeat.
The club, who are searching for a replacement for Lee Johnson, saw their top-two hopes slump further with a shock defeat to basement side Doncaster Rovers.
Reo Griffiths and Tommy Rowe scored in the first half, and a late consolation from Corry Evans was unable to turn the tide on the day Jermain Defoe (right) made his second debut in front of 39,000 fans. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said before the game that the club were still finalising the shortlist for the managerial position, with Roy Keane one of the candidates for the role.
That suggested an appointment is not imminent, with the Black Cats back in action at Cheltenham on
Tuesday night. “I’m literally working on a day-to-day basis,” said Dodds.
““It’s a massive privilege for me to represent this club.
“I hope they do get someone in, but if I’m needed then I will do this job to the best of my ability. Like I said to the players last Monday, it’s not about me, it’s about giving them the best platform to perform. That hasn’t happened, so I’m going to have to reflect on why that is.
“We’ll be back in tomorrow and making sure the preparation is as good as it possibly can be,” he added.
“Let’s not shy away from the facts, a club of this size should not lose three games on the bounce regardless of division.
“We are very, very aware of the importance of these games.
“The next 48, 72 hours will be very important for us.
“We have to dust ourselves down and accept the fact that the spell in the first half was not acceptable. I’m the captain of the ship this week, we know that’s unacceptable in front of 39,000 fans.”