19 February 2024 , 17:12
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Dwight Yorke has put his hand up to be the next manager of Sunderland.
The Stadium of Light hierarchy are seeking their third boss of the season after parting company with Michael Beale after just two months. Sunderland sacked Tony Mowbray back in December and hired the ex-Rangers boss as his replacement, but he lasted just 12 games.
Now Yorke, who had a short spell playing for the Black Cats, has underlined his desire to get involved in management. The former Premier League marksman has kept his options open by saying he'd be keen to take up roles with Birmingham City as well as Sunderland.
He told Gambling Zone: “I would just like the opportunity to manage Sunderland. I’ve played for these clubs and it would be nice to go back to Sunderland or Birmingham but it doesn’t mean that I’d rule out managing another club in the EFL. I have to be open-minded to the challenge I’d have to take on.”
Yorke is yet to make any major steps in management despite previously expressing an interest in taking charge of Sutton United in 2019 and Aston Villa two years later. A host of former Manchester United players, several of whom worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, have been given chances in management.
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Sunderland previously took a gamble on hiring Roy Keane almost 20 years ago with the Irishman guiding them to the Championship title. The Black Cats made the play-offs last term but currently sit tenth in the second tier - four points off the top six.
Assistant boss Mike Dodds, who was the interim manager earlier this season, will now take charge until the end of the season as the club consider their next long-term appointment.
Michael Beale was sacked on Monday (Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC)Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC. Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn’t been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the Club.
"This has been a difficult few months for Michael, who leaves with our best wishes for the future. Our focus is now on the players and supporting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure we achieve the highest possible league finish. We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made.”
The bookies have installed Reims head coach Will Still as the early favourite to be the next Sunderland boss with the Englishman previously holding positive discussions with club owner Louis-Dreyfus.
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