It was a dreadful season for Sunderland, and it ended with relegation to the third tier.
Less than a year after they were resigned to the Sky Bet Championship following relegation from the top flight, the Black Cats’ fans will be preparing for trips to Accrington Stanley and Wycombe Wanderers next season.
To make matters worse, they still do not have a manager, following the sacking of Chris Coleman late last week.
However, teamTALK reports that they are getting closer,and that they have narrowed it down to a four man shortlist, including one surprise name.
The media publication states that the shortlist consists of Michael Appleton, Chris Wilder, Paul Cook and manager Anthony Hudson.
The first three names on that list are names you have probably heard of. Michael Appleton is currently the assistant manager at Leicester City, but is believed to be looking for his own managerial job.
Chris Wilder is one of the best English managers in the game. He led Northampton to promotion a few years back, before taking over at Sheffield United and leading them to the Sky Bet League One title, and then consolidating them in the second tier the next season. But there are reports of unrest at Bramall Lane, and reports suggest he may be interested in leaving the club.
Paul Cook has also enjoyed two successive promotions. 2016/17 saw him take Portsmouth out of Sky Bet League Two, before achieving promotion this season with new club Wigan, who will win the league if they take maximum points this weekend at Doncaster Rovers.
The final name on the shortlist is one that will perhaps come as a surprise to everyone. Anthony Hudson is currently in charge of MLS side Colorado Rapids. He has previously been in charge of the Bahrain and New Zealand national sides.
