Sunderland target double-winning manager as search for Michael Beale replacement extends beyond ONE HUNDRED days

DOUBLE-WINNER Raphael Wicky is a new name under consideration to become Sunderland’s next manager.

The search for a permanent boss to replace Michael Beale has now passed the 100-day mark as pressure mounts on owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to make a decision.

3

3

Now the Black Cats are looking at the man who led Young Boys to both Swiss Super League and cup glory last year.

It’s been a frustrating 12 months on Wearside as what had looked set to be another exciting season for Sunderland ended in both disappointment and with the club managerless.

Having led them to the Championship play-offs the previous season, Tony Mowbray was sacked in December with the team sitting ninth.

His replacement Beale then suffered six defeats in his opening 12 games and was also axed in February.

READ MORE ON FOOTBALL

NEGATIVE VIBES

Two Prem clubs 'at risk of starting season with record points deductions'

DOUBLE

Win a McLaren 720S and an Audi RS3 or £140,000 cash from just 45p with our code

Popular coach Mike Dodds was placed in interim charge for the remainder of the campaign but Sunderland could only end up finishing 16th.

Sun Sport understands that Will Still, who left Reims in France this month, remains Louis-Dreyfus’ preferred choice.

However, we have learned that a new name under consideration for the job is former Switzerland international Wicky - although he is also believed to be on the radar of Burnley.

The 47-year-old enjoyed an impressive playing career in midfield for the likes of Sion, Werder Bremen, Atletico Madrid and Hamburg.

Most read in Championship

SURGERY HORROR

My family lent me £3k for surgery abroad - I nearly died & can’t eat solids

HAMMER HORROR

Moment cops chase hammer-wielding maniac on rampage forcing kids to flee

STRICTLY SHAKE-UP

Strictly pros set to be AXED from show after string of scandals revealed

ROD LIDDLE

Deluded Lefties STILL don't get it despite Trump landslide… let me spell it out

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

He won a host of trophies before hanging up his boots in 2008 after a short stint in America.

Wicky then set about his coaching career, working with the youth sides FC Thun, Servette and Basel before he took over their first-team late on in the 2016/17 season.

They wrapped up the title days later and followed that up with Swiss Cup success but he left the club the following summer after they finished runners-up.

Wicky took charge of USA’s under-17 squad and then had a spell in charge of Chicago Fire in the MLS but returned to his homeland in June 2022.

He took over Young Boys and led them to a Swiss double in his first season in charge.

Wicky, who represented his country at two European Championships and the 2006 World Cup as a player, left the club in April.

That means that Sunderland would not be required to pay any compensation for him should they offer him the job.

Danny Rohl has penned a new deal with Sheffield Wednesday which ruled him out but Englishman Still is heavily fancied.

The 31-year-old took charge of Reims, where he was previously assistant to Oscar Garcia, in October 2022 with the side languishing in the midst of a Ligue 1 relegation fight.

He then led them to a 19-game unbeaten run and an 11th-placed finish.

Reims were in the exact same position this term with three matches remaining when they announced that the Englishman was leaving with immediate effect.

Still was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24, admitting that his love of coaching was born through playing the much-loved Football Manager game.

Still began his coaching journey at Preston's Myerscough College where he got the chance to coach North End's U14 side.

He then got in touch with all his contacts in Belgium football asking if there were any opportunities.

Former club Sint-Truiden came up trumps - offering him work as an opposition analyst.

He even turned to Football Manager again for tactical guidance - using the game's database to scout players.

Still took various jobs from 2017 - including roles at Standard Liege and second division Lierse.

At 24, Liege promoted him to be their head coach - however, when the club went into financial difficulty he was forced to leave.

A short stint at Beerschot was followed by talk of him teaming up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

GRIM FIND

Mystery as 'human remains' found in field with cops probing 'unexplained' death

GONE TOO SOON

Girl, 9, drowned in bath after mum left her to look for her favourite toy

Instead, he moved to France - working with Oscar Garcia as his assistant on a short-term deal.

Reims called him back that summer to be assistant, before he took over the reins from Garcia, who was sacked just two months into the season.

3

SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE

STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.

Chelsea have been given permission from Leicester to speak to Enzo Maresca.

Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing a summer move for Crysencio Summerville.

Premier League clubs are targeting Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be a free agent when his Fulham contract expires next month.

Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.