This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland have had a reasonable start to the season, with only one defeat in their first 10 matches, form that leaves Jack Ross' side five points behind League One leaders Ipswich Town, ahead of a weekend trip to Lincoln City.

Despite this decent start, Ross has been under scrutiny at the Stadium of Light and this may be of interest to the board at Hibernian, who are said to be admirers should they decide to part company with Paul Heckingbottom, as reported in the print edition of the Sun on Sunday (September 29, Page 61).

So could you envisage seeing Ross leave Sunderland and head to Hibs?

We discuss.........

Ned Holmes

“This is an interesting one.

“It is fair to say things haven’t exactly gone to plan for Jack Ross at the Stadium of Light this season and unrest is growing amongst some Black Cats fans.

“Sunderland are fifth but they’re already five points back from league leaders Ipswich Town.

“You feel his exit would be something of a relief for many fans of the club, who have been calling for him to leave.

“Ross has a good record in Scottish football and had success with St Mirren, so you can see the appeal for Hibs and for Ross himself.”

Chris Gallagher

"I can't see him wanting to leave at all.

"Ross turned down the chance to manage in the Scottish Premiership when he took St. Mirren up and whilst Hibs are obviously a much bigger club, it still wouldn't be enough to tempt him back north of the border.

"The challenge with Sunderland is a huge one and he will feel he still has a lot of work to do and promotion seems a real possibility this season.

"The only possible way I could see this happening is if Ross has got word that the potential new owners want to replace him immediately, but there's been no suggestion of that.

"So, he'd be daft to leave right now, particularly with the Edinburgh outfit struggling."

George Brooks

"This is an interesting one. The expectations are high at Sunderland and after the club failed to win promotion from League One last season, the pressure is mounting on Ross.

"Sunderland are in a good position at the moment and are well placed to challenge for promotion again this term, so I'd be very surprised to see them sack Ross, regardless of any criticism he might be getting from fans.

"With that said, if Sunderland do want to get rid of Ross, perhaps this could be their way out.

"It would allow Ross to leave with his reputation intact and Sunderland won't get the reputation of being a sacking club.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens if Hibernian make an approach for him."

[freshpress-poll ]