Michael Appleton has been heavily linked with the vacant manager’s role at Sunderland, and he has spoken out about rumours linking him with a move to the North East.
Sunderland are on the search for a manager, after relegation from the Sky Bet Championship saw former Wales manager Chris Coleman lose his job at the Stadium of Light.
Appleton is currently the assistant manager to Claude Puel at Premier League side Leicester City, but is reported to be looking to take his own job once again.
And speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, the former Oxford United boss admitted that he is flattered to have been linked with the job.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, he said: “Look, Sunderland is a big club and it’s always nice to be linked with clubs like that. Sunderland is certainly a big job and it’s nice to be mentioned as a potential candidate. But ultimately, from my point of view, I’ll be focusing everything I do on Leicester City until I’m told otherwise.”
However, he also said that previous Sunderland manager’s have not been given enough time at the club, and that is something that bothers him.
He said: “Every manager would like that backing, but in today’s game it’s very rare you’re given much time. “But to build a club and a style and a relationship with fans, you are only going to get that with time. Ultimately at Sunderland for too long that hasn’t been the case.”
Sunderland can finally start preparing for life in the third tier following the conclusion of the Sky Bet Championship season, and they will want to get a manager in as soon as possible.
