Exclusive: Sunderland will struggle to hire Will Still as next manager due to one factor

In the three months since Michael Beale’s dismissal in February, Sunderland has been looking for a new manager.

Only 12 games had passed since Michael Beale’s contentious departure from Sunderland.
The 43-year-old’s appointment in December infuriated supporters, and he was unable to win over detractors after recording just four victories while on Wearside.

In an attempt to find a permanent replacement, the Black Cats promoted Mike Dodds to interim head coach; however, it is anticipated that fans will now have to wait at least three weeks for a new hire.

One coach who has already put his name in the hat is Jermain Defoe, but Will Still, Rene Maric, Danny Rohl, and Paul Heckingbottom have been the more likely contenders.

When it was announced last week that Will Still would be leaving Reims at the end of the season, Sunderland received a huge boost because the club wouldn’t have to pay his large compensation fee to bring him in.

Though the 31-year-old’s appointment is sure to spark a lot of interest, journalist Graeme Bailey has now provided us with an exclusive look at how likely it is that he will show up at the Stadium of Light.

Will Still might decide against joining Sunderland for one reason.

Bailey was questioned about how Sunderland’s transfer policy and spending plan might affect their pursuit of a new manager.
He retorted, “I believe Sunderland is having trouble attracting or reaching an agreement with a manager because of the budget they have put in place.”
“You know, with their current budget, Will Still is not coming to Sunderland. In no way, form, or aspect. He needs to fry bigger fish. In theory, I believe Still would be doable, but not given the current budget.

“I don’t think Paul Heckingbottom would come in right now, and I don’t think Steve Cooper would either.”

Will Still’s previous comments on Reims’ transfer policy are worrying

With players like Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke strongly linked to moves to the Premier League, Sunderland will probably need to let go of a few key players this summer in order to make room for new players.

Though the Black Cats’ transfer kitty may not look like this one, Will Still has already stated that he was very troubled by Reims’ transfer policy.

The French team shared traits with Sunderland in that they would sign players at a discount and sell them for a profit, but they also had little control over transfers.

When questioned about Reims’ policy earlier this year, Still responded, “Yeah, I haven’t hidden that. I’m gutted.”

“The club made an effort to clarify that we had to take advantage of this opportunity. I understand. I appreciate it and fully understand it. However, I really wanted to set high standards for myself and the team and push them to the limit. And you think, “Well, we won’t have time to do that.”

It would be shocking if Sunderland didn’t make a move for the young coach this summer, given their obvious interest in him. However, given the high level of interest, he might be a difficult addition to make.