Black Cats stay patient in search for manager

May 30 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

SUNDERLAND are prepared to play a waiting game over the appointment of their next manager.

The Black Cats have been given permission to speak to Wigan Athletic’s Steve Bruce but are yet to negotiate compensation for the former Manchester United defender and the army of backroom staff he is likely to bring with him.

The Corbridge-born 48-year-old remains a target but, rather than show weakness by rushing headlong into discussions, chairman Niall Quinn is prepared to take his time and weigh up other options.

Sunderland have already received plenty of applications for the vacant post, and they are believed to be of higher quality than those which followed Roy Keane’s December departure.

The Wearsiders were quoted a £3m figure by Dave Whelan for acquiring Bruce’s services, the same amount the Latics paid Birmingham City to sign him 16 months ago. But with Eric Black, Nigel Spink and perhaps John Benson almost certain to be included in any move, the complete package is expected to come to nearer £5m. With American Ellis Short now confirmed

as the club’s new owner, it seems inconceivable Sunderland would not prepared to spend such an amount to land the man they want. But Quinn will take his time to assure himself Bruce is that man with other cheaper and well-qualified candidates perhaps available – and give opposite number Whelan the opportunity to lower his price.

As is often the case, any deal will not stand in isolation. Bruce – and Whelan – might both have been hoping the manager’s job at Newcastle United might have emerged as a possible alternative, but it is looking increasingly likely Alan Shearer will take it, despite the inordinate length of time being taken to appoint him.

And Wigan will be anxious to secure a promising manager of their own to replace Bruce should he leave, with Swansea making it known they would strongly resist letting Roberto Martinez – their highly-rated manager who once played in midfield at the JJB Stadium – talk to his former club.

With Premier League football effectively on hold as of next week with most managers and players on holiday, there is little sense in rushing a decision. Plans need to be made for the new campaign, but nothing is likely to be achieved this side of June.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic – widely regarded as one of world football’s up-and-coming managers – has thrown his hat into the ring (and Celtic’s too) via his agent, and other impressive candidates are also emerging.

Roberto Mancini’s price with the bookmakers has been slashed this week and the former Italian international now stands second only to Bruce in the betting. He certainly meets Quinn’s requirement for a “big name”, though his experience of English football is minimal compared to Bruce’s.

Like Bruce, 44-year-old Mancini has already packed a number of clubs into his fledgling managerial, having been in charge of Lazio, Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

With two Coppa Italia, two Supercoppa Italiana and three Scudetti , Mancini was the most successful Inter coach of the last 30 years, yet was still sacked for failing to transfer his talents to the European arena. Since being replaced by José Mourinho last summer, he has been out of work.

He finished his playing career at Leicester City, though his Foxes career lasted just four games before retirement. That move, like many others in his career, owed much to Mancini’s close relationship with his former manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who had previously worked alongside then-Leicester manager Peter Taylor.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Darren Ward will retire from football after being released by the Black Cats on Thursday.