Sunderland may have just lost one of their main catalysts in promotion
Mike Dodds will leave Sunderland to take the managerial role at Wycombe and it is huge, huge blow for Sunderland although many may think otherwise.
The Black Cats are certainly enjoying a fruitful campaign and while it is right to praise the work of the likes of Kristjaan Speakman and Regis Le Bris, other factors may not receive the attention they perhaps deserve.
Dodds is included in that having played a crucial role behind the scenes on Wearside as part of Le Bris’ backroom staff with a seemingly excellent relationship with the players.
Of course, his presence at the club was believed to be a big factor behind the signing of Jobe Bellingham having played a big part in the development of his brother, Jude at Birmingham.
However, Sunderland may be about to lose all of that with Dodds now confirmed as the new manager of Wycombe Wanderers [Sunderland on X] and will take the post after the Black Cats face Middlesbrough (3 February).
Mike Dodds departure is a huge loss for Sunderland
On the face of it, many fans may look at his exit as a positive thing given the nightmare of a season that Sunderland endured last time out, largely under his stewardship.
But to judge him off that would be totally unfair and quite frankly, there were many factors behind the failures of the last campaign.
Dodds has played a massive role in the coaching side that will largely go unnoticed by most supporters given the nature of the sport.
Just from interviews and videos, you can see the close relationship he has with the majority of the players on Wearside with many, perhaps wrongly, refereeing to him as “Doddsy” when he took over from the sacked Michael Beale last season.
That kind of relationship is often integral to success and now that his Wycombe appointment has been announced, it remains to be seen how the Black Cats would deal with his absence and even more so, how the players would react to it.
He leaves the best wishes of Sunderland fans and no doubt from everyone involved on Wearside.
In other Sunderland news, Tottenham have entered the race to sign this Black Cats starlet after a bid was rejected.
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