They do say the definition of madness is to do the same again and again while expecting different results.
In the eyes of many Sunderland supporters, hiring Paul Cook would be exactly that: madness.
The 53-year-old Scouser might have led Wigan Athletic to the League One title in 2018 but, after being burned by Phil Parkinson’s underwhelming 13-month stint on Wearside, many Black Cats fans are wary of another battle-scarred, lower-league veteran.
According to the Northern Echo, however, Cook has plenty of admirers where it matters – within the Stadium of Light boardroom.
The promotion-specialist was under consideration before Sunderland handed the reins over to Parkinson in October 2019 too and, after leaving Wigan in the summer, he is back in contention.
So, too, is another out-of-work tactician who has been on Sunderland’s radar since Jack Ross was put out of his misery late last year.
The Sunderland Echo claims that Daniel Stendel applied for the job on Tuesday; reports backed up by the Daily Mail.
Interestingly, the Echo reports that the affable German was interviewed for the Black Cats post 14 months ago.
But Sunderland felt that Stendel needed some time out of the game to ‘clear his mind’ after being sacked by Barnsley a few weeks earlier, turning instead to what they viewed as the ultimate ‘safe pair of hands’ in Parkinson.
Flash forward to the present day and Stendel is once again looking for a club.
This time, he has been out of the game for six months – rather than just a matter of days – having bid farewell to Hearts upon their controversial relegation from the Scottish Premiership last term.
Like Cook, Stendel would arrive at Sunderland with a fine track record in League One. He guided a free-flowing, youthful Barnsley side to promotion two years ago, while earning cult hero status at Oakwell due to his close relationship with those grateful supporters.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
