Sunderland

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Pascal Jansen is no longer being considered by Sunderland for the head coach vacancy.

The BBC understands the Black Cats have taken the decision to proceed with the other names on their shortlist.

The former AZ boss had emerged as a favourite for the role following Will Still favouring Lens instead of a move to Wearside and false reports of Stephen Robinson and Dave Challinor.

How do you feel about this latest update? Have your say here.

While the head coach search has been Sunderland's priority, with an appointment expected imminently, it might be time to start thinking about recruitment with the transfer window opening next week.

Corry Evans, Bradley Dack, Jack Diamond and Ellis Taylor were among the the players announced to be released by Sunderland when their contract expire at the end of this month.

It was also noted loanees Mason Burstow and Callum Styles had returned to their parent clubs but with the club retaining the option to sign the latter on a permanent basis.

Styles is part of the Hungary squad for the Euros this summer and has become a regular with more than 20 caps since his debut in March 2022.

The Hungary international joined the Black Cats on a short term loan in January from Barnsley and made 12 appearances for Sunderland. In that time he made one assist for the club but played in numerous positions across the pitch.

What did you think of Styles' time on loan at Sunderland? Should the Black Cats trigger the option to make it a permanent signing or look elsewhere? Have your say here.

We asked for your thoughts on Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' message to fans about Sunderland's head coach search. Here are some of your comments:

Mackem Dad: They always seem to be fighting fire all the time. It’s never a good look.

Clark: If Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' words are honest and true that's great. But I have an unnerving feeling he's only paying lip service, because he knows little about Sunderland's history and pride, and even less about football in general.

Richie: Nothing more than the usual rubbish from the owner. The same rubbish we got about the last head coach and where did that get us?

Patrick: I think that’s genuine, we don’t want another Beale so let’s wait 'til the process is over.

Paul: Let's hope they are true to their word as it's the fans who suffer and it's very frustrating when things happen which shouldn't have (Mowbray) so fingers crossed.

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Sunderland have released a message from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus regarding the club's search for a new head coach.

"We hope to appoint the next head coach of our great club imminently, as we enter the final stages of the recruitment process.

"We appreciate the patience and support that we've received from you throughout the summer and our aim has always been to ensure that the right candidate is appointed.

"That outcome remains our focus.

"On and off the field, we have learnt from last season when we fell short of all our expectations.

"We are hungry and ambitious for success and determined to ensure we all enjoy a great 2024-25 season together."

How do you feel about the message? Have your say here.

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Dave Challinor and Stephen Robinson are not under consideration by Sunderland to become the Black Cats' new head coach, the BBC understands.

A source from the club has stated reports earlier today, external that the pair were part of the final three candidates to become the new boss on Wearside are false.

Challinor is currently in charge at Stockport County and Robinson is at helm at St. Mirren. They were touted to be in the running to be next Sunderland head coach alongside former AZ boss Pascal Jansen.

Sunderland's head coach search remains ongoing following the sacking of Michael Beale in February.

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Sunderland are reportedly down to their final three candidates for the new head coach.

After more than 100 days without a permanent boss and apparently narrowly missing out on Will Still, the Black Cats are set on either Pascal Jansen, Stephen Robinson or Dave Challinor according to Alan Nixon, external.

Dutchman Jansen is the former head coach at AZ, Robinson is currently in charge at St. Mirren and Challinor is the boss at Stockport County.

How would you feel about one of the three being named Michael Beale's replacement? Have your say here.

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Kyle Walker has credited Sunderland among the most passionate supporters in football on his new podcast.

The England and Manchester City defender was discussing the best grounds and fanbases on his new You'll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast co-hosted by Sunderland fan and ex-Love Island contestant Chris Hughes.

On the best grounds, Walker says, "Sunderland’s weren’t bad, I don’t mind Sunderland’s."

“For the fans, they’re definitely sets of fans that you’d put right up there. I think the one-team cities, Sunderland, Newcastle, Leeds - these fans are so passionate.”

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Sunderland's link with Will Still is seemingly all but over already but confirmation may be imminent as Lens announce the departure of Franck Haise.

Still has reportedly decided to join the Ligue 1 side in favour of making the move to Wearside and Haise having now officially left Lens means there is likely an announcement of his successor incoming.

Reports suggest the prospect of European football, with Lens playing in the Conference League, was the deciding factor in Still opting against taking charge at Sunderland.

How do you feel about the Will Still saga and Sunderland's ongoing search for a head coach after seemingly missing out on him as their top target? Have your say here.

We asked for your reaction to Sunderland's Chris Rigg reportedly waiting to see who the next head coach is before committing his future to the club - or elsewhere. Here are some of your comments:

James: How are we in the situation where one of our brightest young talents can’t commit to their future because he doesn’t know who the manager will be? It’s been over 100 days since we sacked Beale? What is going on with our club? We need to keep him.

Alan: I think he has good potential but I've seen him put his head down in plenty of games and gone missing for periods of the game. In my opinion, he's not a forward and I believe this could be the reason for his performances. I originally thought the owners were going down the best route. Not now. Sell him, they will anyways.

Ron: Riggs is an upcoming youngster and already is establishing himself very well in the first team. To be selected as Captain for England U17s is an honour. He should stay and help to encourage some of the others from within the academy. He certainly has my vote to remain a superb player for the lads.

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Pascal Jansen has emerged as a potential new name linked with becoming Sunderland's next head coach.

Alan Nixon is reporting that Sunderland hold 'serious interest' in the Dutchman to take the helm at Stadium of Light.

Jansen was head coach at AZ for four years before being sacked in January but boasts an impressive 58% win rate at the Dutch club.

He was also previously a coach at PSV.

How would you feel about Jansen as Sunderland's next head coach? Have your say here.

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West Ham have confirmed they are in talks with Divin Mubamba to keep him at the club.

The striker has been a reported target for Sunderland this summer when his contract expires with the Hammers. Mubamba rejected an initial contract renewal and is said to be seeking more first team football.

Sunderland fans are clamouring for the club to sign a new striker and with experience in the Premier League and goals in the Europa Conference, Mubamba could fit the bill for the Black Cats.

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We asked what you would do about Jobe Bellingham after reports of Brentford and Crystal Palace being interested in the midfielder and Sunderland wanting £20million for him.

Here are some of your comments:

David: We have to keep Bellingham surely! We can’t just keep selling good young players. We should be developing them for our future - hence Tony Mowbray. We still haven’t got a proven centre forward, where did the Stewart money go? We still haven’t got a manager... What is going on? 40,000+ loyal fans deserve to know and deserve better!!

Jim: Forget about who stays and who goes at the minute, we need a manager like yesterday! Let them sort it out.

Andrew: I think we should keep Jobe and Chris Rigg should start most games.

Colin: Yes get rid of him. He is not as good as everyone thought. I won't be shedding any tears if he goes.

Mark: I'd keep Jobe for now. He is young and has potential to help the club up the table. It would be folly to keep selling our best players.

Ron: If the money is right for Jobe then let him go. The funds could then buy another decent striker, defender or midfielder. The Academy has produced some vey good players over the years who have gone on to some top Premier League teams and even played for England etc. If the new manager knows what he wants then give him the opportunity to buy the best.

Michael: The Club cannot keep letting players go just to cash in on them. Shades of Henderson and Pickford.

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Chris Rigg is reportedly waiting to see who will be brought in as Sunderland's new head coach before making a decision on his future according to The Echo, external.

The teenage midfielder has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Manchester United but did recently hint he wants to be part of the Black Cats' return to the Premier League.

Rigg isn't the only one waiting for Sunderland's head coach search to come to a close. After more than 100 days since Michael Beale was sacked, fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the silence from the club.

How important is it for Rigg to stay at Sunderland? Have your say here.

Jobe Bellingham is reportedly attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs - and others across Europe too.

Last week it emerged Crystal Palace and Brentford were interested in the young midfielder. It has since been reported that Sunderland want more than £20million for Jobe and with three years apparently left on his deal, the club could get even more from him in future windows.

What would you do? Cash-in now or hold out for potentially more next year? Would you be sad to see Jobe leave? Have your say here.

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Sunderland's Dan Ballard has been reflecting on last season in a new interview with the club.

The defender has expressed a personal pride in his performances in the 2023-24 campaign despite a disappointing season for the Black Cats as a whole. Ballard has however called on the team to learn from the mistakes and improve as a result of them.

The 24-year-old says the play-offs should be the minimal expectation for Sunderland next season adding, "the Premier League is obviously the goal for the club and myself personally."

How do you rate Dan Ballard and how important he could be to Sunderland next season? Have your say here.

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Raphael Wicky is the latest name being reported as a possible candidate to the be Sunderland's next head coach.

As the Black Cats reach 100 days without a permanent head coach, The Sun are reporting former Swiss international Wicky is in the running.

Wicky won the domestic double in Switzerland last season with Young Boys but left in April so would require no compensation from Sunderland.

What do you think of Wicky and the time it's taken for the club to appoint a new head coach? Have your say here.

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Teenage midfielder Chris Rigg has indicated he will remain at Sunderland for at least next season in a new interview with the club, external.

The 16-year-old was asked about his goals and said he wants to become a first team regular, increase his goal involvements and get Sunderland back to the Premier League.

Rigg has been the focus of transfer speculation with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United among clubs apparently interested.

The young midfielder is currently with England at the under-17s Euros where they have made it through the group stage and into the quarter finals.

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Will Still could still become Sunderland's next head coach despite reports last week indicating he was 'unlikely' to become the Black Cats' new boss.

The ex-Reims manager has been a favourite to take charge of Sunderland since the sacking of Michael Beale 99 days ago but reports emerged last week he had been interviewed by Norwich.

However, the Canaries look set to name Johannes Thorup as their new head coach instead.

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There has been an update on Sunderland's head coach search... from other clubs they are linked with.

BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Reeve has reported Will Still has been at Norwich's Lotus Training Centre.

Danny Rohl is close to reaching a new agreement with current club Sheffield Wednesday according to BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton.

Sky Germany are reporting Bo Svensson to Union Berlin is a 'done deal.'

Who are you hoping to become the next Sunderland head coach? How do you feel about the delay in the appointment? Have your say here.

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Reims' President Jean-Pierre Caillot has spoken about Will Still's exit from the French club.

He told France Bleu, “I think that the ‘Will Still effect’ meant that there were a lot of communications from him, a lot of requests.

"A more experienced coach would have protected himself more, and he went from being a nice guy with a fresh air, to someone who was a little lost in his communication and this was felt in his management of the team.”

“For six months, we could see that it was not the Will Still that we had chosen for over a year now, that things had changed. It was hard to imagine how the story could continue."

After a 4-1 loss at home to Clermont, Calliot says Still said "‘I have no more words, I don't know how to do it anymore.’"

They then had a meeting and agreed to mutually part ways.

How do you feel about Still after reading these comments from his previous employer? Have your say here.

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One of the candidates reportedly in the running to be Sunderland's next head coach, Bo Svensson is the number one target for Union Berlin.

According to German media, Svensson is the top choice for the Bundesliga side to be their next boss. The club narrowly avoided the German league's relegation play-offs this season.

The Danish coach previously managed Mainz and has been linked with the Union Berlin job before.

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Former Sunderland midfielder Yann M'Vila has been released by Championship rivals West Brom.

The Frenchman joined the Baggies last summer but only made 7 appearances. Prior to his move to the West Midlands, M'Vila was linked with a return to Wearside.

Fans often clamour for a comeback from the now 33-year-old who spent the 2015-16 campaign on loan at Sunderland - and could fancy the midfielder as an experienced replacement for outgoing club captain Corry Evans.

Would you like to see M'Vila back at Sunderland or is it time to move on? Have your say here.

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Seven years ago David Moyes left Sunderland after a disappointing season on Wearside.

The Black Cats were relegated to the Championship and are yet to return to the Premier League since.

Although Sunderland are searching for their next head coach and Moyes is out of work after leaving, it's unlikely he'd be welcomed back to the Stadium of Light.

What are your memories of the Moyes era at Sunderland? Have your say here.

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Two years ago today, Sunderland won the League One play-off final to secure promotion to the Championship.

Goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart gave the Black Cats a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley in 2022.

What are your memories from the day? Let us know here.