Exclusive: Sunderland decline investigated amid Stadium of Light exit
Sunderland have faltered in recent weeks and have been unable to keep pace with the top three in the Championship.
However, the play-offs are all but a certainty given the gap between Regis Le Bris‘ side and the chasing pack, who are essentially vying to compete alongside Sunderland and the unlucky dropout of the top three from the automatic spots.
The Black Cats next take on Millwall at the Stadium of Light (29 March) in a bid to get back on track following three defeats and one draw in their last six.
Sunderland could be reeling from Dodds departure
Sunderland fans are certainly no strangers to managerial changes, neither those of further backroom staff or boardroom directors.
Mike Dodds – brought to Wearside by a former Birmingham City colleague, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman – was Le Bris’ first-team coach this season having taken two spells as interim head coach during his stint.
When Wycombe Wanderers came calling for a replacement for Matt Bloomfield, and Pedro Ribeiro having arrived at Sunderland as assistant head coach, Dodds was allowed to move to Adams Park for his first managerial role.
In the eight games since Dodds’ departure, performances have largely hit a bump with three wins, three defeats and two draws – 11 points from 24 available; in the 10 games before that, they won six and lost just one, taking 21 points from a possible 30.
TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, brushes off the idea that Dodds’ exit has seen form spiral; rather the team simply taking their eye off the ball.
| POS | Championship form table – last five games | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 11 | Watford | 5 | 7 | +1 |
| 12 | Swansea City | 5 | 7 | +1 |
| 13 | SUNDERLAND | 5 | 7 | -2 |
| 14 | Luton Town | 5 | 7 | -4 |
“The impact of backroom staff depends on who the assistant or number two is. With some clubs, it can be an important part of the chemistry as they’re taking a lot of the coaching sessions, and they make a material difference,” Darke said.
“At other clubs, the boss is very much the boss. The coaching staff maybe aren’t just putting out the cones, but are less important figures. Without talking to the players and being around it, I couldn’t tell whether or not Dodds leaving has had a negative impact.
“But I’d say the drop in form at Sunderland is more down to their position in the table and maybe losing a touch of their hunger and edge that they had earlier on in the campaign.”
🤝 Wycombe Wanderers are pleased to confirm that Mike Dodds will become our new first-team Head Coach, signing a contract until June 2028. pic.twitter.com/fsIzPFyuBF
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) February 2, 2025
Le Bris has to keep momentum fast before play-offs
Le Bris knows that to approach the inevitable play-off semi-finals in poor form puts Sunderland at an instant disadvantage.
Opponents will be looking at the mid-table form they have registered recently and believing they can treat the Black Cats like a wounded animal.
With eight Championship games to play, Sunderland – albeit with some injury concerns plaguing their head coach’s options – must find a way to rediscover their ruthless side ahead of what will be a crucial May.