Sunderland are set to confirm their new manager and an appointment could be expected as early as Friday night ahead of this weekend’s game.
There has been so many twists and turns when it comes to speculation for this job, however it seems the Black Cats could have their man… finally!
Friday’s draw at Fleetwood was a third league game without a win for the Black Cats, leaving them eighth in the League One table. However a 1-1 draw against Burton on Tuesday sees them up to 7th.
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At first, it looked at though Gus Poyet would become the new boss at the Stadium of Light, previously speaking that he was keen and even bookmakers suspended betting on that market.
However reports them emerged that he is in fact no interested in taking over, but yet still would like a return to the club one day.
Former Lincoln and Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley was then named as the favourite and he said he was also interested in becoming the new manager of Sunderland.
Now Sky Sports are reporting that former Bristol City boss Lee Johnson was the North East side’s top target and he is now in advanced talks.
Keith Downie said: “Sunderland are in advanced talks with Lee Johnson to become their new Head Coach. Johnson has been in the North East for face-to-face talks with #SAFC hierarchy. Sunderland hope to announce the appointment tomorrow…or possibly even tonight.
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Lee Johnson was the third longest-serving manager in the English Football League before getting sacked as head coach of Bristol City in July.
His departure came hours after the Robins suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Neil Harris’ Cardiff City, making it nine games without a win for the Robins, and has led to the club’s decision to part ways.
Johnson had been with the Robins since 2016 after previously managing Barnsley and Oldham Athletic, both in League One at the time.
His record at City was 84 wins, 54 draws and 79 defeats, giving him a win % of 38.7. For his time at Barnsley, it was 39.2% and at Oldham, 35.0%.
He led the Tykes to the EFL Trophy Final in 2016, in which his successor Paul Heckingbottom managed to claim the cup win.
In the 2017–18 season, Johnson led the club to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, defeating several Premier League clubs in the lead up, notably defeating José Mourinho’s Manchester United. During the semis, Bristol City exited the competition after a 3–5 aggregate defeat to eventual champions Manchester City, a game in which saw Pep Guardiola praise Johnson for his side’s style of play.
In May 2019, he signed a new four-year contract with the Robins, keeping him until the summer of 2023.
He has guided the club to finishes of 18th (15/16), 17th (16/17), 11th (17/18) and 8th (18/19) – and this season, they currently sit 12th in the Championship table, just nine points off the playoffs with five games remaining.
Fans reacted on social media as Sunderland are set to confirm their new manager, see what they said below…
— Yanited (@NE5westend) December 4, 2020
The last Johnson we announced went well! pic.twitter.com/hy3oZpuYPh
— Mack (@Footiebetz) December 4, 2020
I’m optimistic about this appointment, here’s hoping it doesn’t come back to bite me!
— James (@BaghdadCocaCola) December 4, 2020
Good appointment that if it comes off.
— Michael Smith (@SmithMichael198) December 4, 2020
What SAFC hierarchy?!?
— Adam Coates (@AdamCoates1334) December 4, 2020
a team in league 1 👍🏻
— Carl Mcmullen (@CarlCm9) December 4, 2020
He took Bristol city from relegation candidates to promotion candidates in the championship 👍🏻
— Tom🇬🇧 (@TomNixon03) December 4, 2020
Arrogant, tinpot manager..would be a good fit.
— Horned viper (@Zibbygoals) December 4, 2020
— Peter Hewett (@WestSussexSAFC) December 4, 2020
Some of our fans are embarrassing, we are struggling for play offs in league one and fans are moaning at a manager consistently getting top half finishes in the championship pic.twitter.com/pqMdxdcecl
— SH (@shanehagan24) December 4, 2020
This would be good appointment if they can get it done
— John Lee Blackett (@BlackettLee) December 4, 2020
From a Bristol City fan this is a great appointment for you, would of expected him to go to championship club. Went stale at the end after 5 years but Kept us in the top half despite having best players sold every year. Not sure why the negativity
— Dave Jerome (@DJerome1) December 4, 2020
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