Sunderland have stepped up their search for Simon Grayson’s permanent replacement, having held interviews with candidates today, reports Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.

The Black Cats have picked up just one victory in the Sky Bet Championship so far this season, and are on the search for a new manager following Simon Grayson’s dismissal last month.

Reports have confirmed that Sunderland have started the process of interviewing potential successors, but the Championship outfit are not in a rush to make a decision, despite relegation fears worsening at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are currently bottom of the Championship table, with the Black Cats facing another relegation fight, less than a year after suffering relegation from the Premier League under David Moyes.

The Black Cats are without a victory since early August, and slipped to the bottom of the table following a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough prior to the international break.

Robbie Stockdale has been placed in temporary charge following Grayson’s departure, and will be expected to be in the dugout against Millwall this Saturday. Against Boro, Stockdale was joined by Billy McKinlay, but will be alone against Millwall, following the McKinlay’s appointment at West Ham United.

The Verdict

This is encouraging news for Sunderland, but fans will ask questions as to why the club is taking their time over appointing Grayson’s successor, with the Black Cats in desperate need of turning things around sooner rather than later.

One victory all season in the Championship is extremely worrying, and unless results pick up in the coming weeks, relegation will be inevitable.

Sunderland need to right man in the dugout, which makes their decision important, but they need to show some urgency.

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!