Poyet rules out return as Wearmen step up boss search
GUS Poyet has reportedly ruled himself out of the reckoning to become the new Sunderland manager.
It was revealed last night the former Black Cats boss would prefer to not drop down to League One, despite being the bookies’ favourite.
The Uruguayan is no stranger to Black Cats fans, having led the club to a League Cup final at Wembley and pulling off a great escape from relegation in 2014.
The Chronicle understands Sunderland have spoken to a number of managerial candidates with a decision set to be made ahead of the weekend home clash with Wigan Athletic.
Ex-Wigan boss Paul Cook, former Lincolm City supremo Danny Cowley and ex-Leicester and Watford boss Nigel Pearson are three of the names believed to be in the frame.
■SUNDERLAND could be heading for an employment tribubal after making long-serving kit manager John Cooke redundant after more than 25 years in the role.
Th Chronicle revealed in September that Cooke, furloughed along with the rest of the club’s backroom staff at the end of March after the season was suspended due to the Covid crisis, had not been recalled to prepare for the start of the new campaign.
Instead, under-23s’ kit man Steve Aziz has taken over Cooke’s first-team responsibilities and he has been present at every game this season.
Cooke, who spent six years as a player with the Black Cats before returning to the club in 1994 in the role of kit manager, is a popular character in the dressing room and his absence has been keenly felt by players and staff.