Sunderland hero Alex Rae says Alex McLeish would be an ideal fit for Sunderland managerial job.
St Mirren manager Alex Rae
While Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is emerging to be the bookmakers’ favourite for the vacant Sunderland managerial position, Alex Rae has urged the club to sign former Rangers manager, Alex McLeish.
Rae, former Sunderland player and club hero, said that McLeish is the type of manager Sunderland has been crying out for.
In recent weeks, Sunderland have been linked with a move for former Leeds United manager Garry Monk. But Rae thinks that the Black Cats should turn to a manager like McLeish who is not only a proven winner but also has a great track record of working on a shoestring budget.
McLeish has won trophies at Rangers, and even managed at international level and abroad. Needless to say, Rae was McLeish’s assistant during their stint with Belgium side Genk.
Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish
It is common now for football clubs to appoint young managers who would bring in fresh ideas and approach that can elbow out some older candidates. But Rae thinks there is a time and place for that.
Sunderland require stability after years of turmoil and mismanagement. Rae believes that McLeish can command respect and has the man-management skills required to thrive at the Wearside.
Sunderland’s manager Martin O’Neill (L) and Aston Villa’s manager Alex McLeish
“For me, Sunderland need a manager like McLeish,” said Rae, as quoted by The Sunderland Echo.
“McLeish has been at Rangers, had to deal with being a previous Birmingham City boss at Aston Villa. He is a big, big character. Not only that, he is a manager who has trophies coming out of his ears. “He has managed at that level, won cups north and south of the border and even managed at international level and abroad.
“McLeish has got everything. He has presence when he walks into a dressing-room, can command respect and he has the man-management skills. “He can work to a budget and is a winner. I’m sure he would welcome an offer to be Sunderland boss.
“I said it five years ago, before I had even worked alongside him, and I will say it again – McLeish is the type of manager that this club has been crying out for.”
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light
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