This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Fan Perspective’ series, this content strand is where we deliver an opinion-based outlook from the perspective of a certain club's fanbase on the matter at hand…
Sunderland announced on Tuesday that they had parted company with manager Jack Ross following their weekend defeat to Lincoln City that saw them drop to 6th in League One.
Many fans had been making their frustrations with the manager well known following their quite average start to the season. It seems that following successive relegations, Sunderland’s fans were more understanding of their side not dominating the League the first time round, however, since losing in the play-off final to Charlton they now expect to at least be challenging at the very top of the table this season.
This fan pressure somewhat forced Stewart Donald’s hand as he decided that a new manager would be necessary to take Sunderland forward into the Championship.
For the fans who were unhappy with their side’s performances, they will be delighted with the news that the Scotsman is no longer in his role as manager – but others may question whether it was the right decision after all.
Ross took them to a cup and play-off final last season and despite their below par start to this campaign they remain in the play-off spots, 4 points adrift of Wycombe but with a game in hand, as well as the fact they are still competing in the latter stages of the League Cup.
Ross had a win percentage of 50.7% with the Black Cats, only losing 10 out of 75 matches in charge of the Wearside club – an impressive record to put a stop to the downwards spiral Sunderland were enduring prior to his appointment. So could this be a backwards step for Sunderland that slows their progress to gaining promotion instead of acting as a catalyst?
Whatever the fans’ opinions on Ross, following his departure, uncertain times lie ahead filled with excitement, anticipation and worry for the loyal Sunderland followers as they await news on his replacement. Several different managers with many varying styles and techniques have been linked with the job; from former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel, to Ian Holloway, to Kevin Phillips. It is essential for the club moving forward that Donald makes the right decision on who will be capable of carrying the club going forward.