Iwelumo questions Coleman appointment as Sunderland manager

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Chris Iwelumo isn’t sure Chris Coleman is the right man for Sunderland and also questions whether Simon Grayson should have been sacked.

Chris Coleman looks on before the international match between Wales and Panama at Cardiff City Stadium.

Chris Iwelumo is not convinced that Chris Coleman is the right man to turn things around at Sunderland after being appointed their new manager.

Coleman takes over from Simon Grayson, who was sacked after just 18 matches in charge of the Black Cats having left Preston North End over the summer to join them.

Grayson became the club’s sixth permanent appointment in four years and Iwelumo wonders why Coleman has given up a successful six-year stint with Wales to move to the Stadium of Light.

Simon Grayson looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Sunderland at Griffin Park.

“It’s a puzzling one,” the former striker said while speaking as a pundit on Channel 5’s Championship programme. “He’s experienced success over the last couple of years. He’s coming in with a great CV.

“I thought Simon Grayson was the right appointment because of the experience he’s got in the Championship. Chris Coleman doesn’t quite have as much as Simon.

“There’s an underlying issue and I think it may run deeper than the dressing room and the players. I think it’s the club as a whole. I think the fans aren’t happy with the ownership. I think there’s a lot of negatives there.

“It’s a big job and he’s got to go in with all that’s going on and get the results. That’s the most important thing. It’s stacked up against him.”

Radio presenter Ian Abrahams, also known as Moose, shares a joke with Chris Iwelumo of Watford (L) and Steven Caldwell of Birmingham (R).

The Wearside outfit remain bottom of the table after a 2-2 draw at home with newly promoted Millwall at the weekend and are four points from safety.

Coleman hasn’t been in club management for almost six years after leaving Greek side AEL following a brief spell in charge.

The last time the 47-year-old managed in the second tier of English football was in 2010 with Coventry City, with the Welshman being sacked with the Sky Blues in 19th position.