Sunderland have had a lucky escape, after Michael O’Neill snub

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Sunderland are still looking for a new manager, over a fortnight after sacking Simon Grayson.

According to the Northern Echo, Michael O’Neill has turned down the chance to manage Sunderland – and that could be a lucky escape for the Black Cats.

The Northern Irish boss was reportedly on Sunderland’s wishlist, but did not want to go for an interview with the Wearsiders.

O’Neill was not enthused by the challenge at the Stadium of Light, and it may just be good news that he is looking at other options.

O’Neill has done a wonderful job in charge of Northern Ireland, but there has to be a question over whether he would have been right for Sunderland at this moment in time.

Sunderland are currently sat at the bottom of the Championship table, and desperately need a manager to spark an immediate improvement in their results.

However, O’Neill has very little experience of managing at club level – and has never taken charge of a side in England before.

The 48-year-old boss has been at the helm at Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers, but being in charge of those teams would have done little to prepare him for taking over at Sunderland.

And although O’Neill does look like a very talented manager, he may not have been the right choice for Sunderland at this highly pressurised moment, due to his lack of experience.