December 29, 2024

2JK7NNK The Stadium of Light, Vaux Brewery Way, Sheepfolds, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom

Beale lasted just two months before leaving his role with Sunderland

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has opened up on the decision to appoint Michael Beale as the club’s head coach last season, as well as suggesting that the doomed tenure affected the way the Black Cats went about finding his permanent successor.

Beale arrived on Wearside last December following Tony Mowbray’s departure from the Stadium of Light, but lasted just a dozen matches across all competitions before being relieved of his duties in the North East. The 44-year-old’s stint with Sunderland was characterised by a dip in form on the pitch, as well as widespread fan discontent.

In an interview with The Second Tier podcast, Speakman stopped short of suggesting that he regretted Beale’s appointment, but did admit that the lack of a “connection” between the coach and Sunderland’s fanbase presented an unforeseen issue.

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