The Sunderland job has become available recently following the dismissal of Beale a brief 12-game stint, highlighted by a significant defeat to Newcastle and a more recent 1-0 loss to Huddersfield Town, pushing the club’s decision-makers to reconsider their strategy. This decision came after the controversial firing of Tony Mowbray in December. Despite hopes for improvement, Sunderland’s form remained lackluster, as evidenced by a 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea City, leaving them trailing in the playoff race.

Scott Parker, previously at the helm of Clubb Brugge, finds himself unemployed since last season. Now, the former Newcastle United leader emerges as the unexpected leading candidate to take over Michael Beale’s role at Sunderland.

While discussions regarding Sunderland’s new managerial appointment had temporarily subsided, betting circles have reignited interest, placing former Newcastle captain Parker as the surprise favorite.

Parker, whose English football managerial career last saw him at Bournemouth—where he was dismissed early into the 2022-23 season despite securing promotion—also led Fulham to Championship play-off victory in 2020. However, his history with Newcastle could create tension among Sunderland fans, considering his leadership role there in the mid-2000s following Alan Shearer’s departure.

Historically, figures like Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce have managed both sides of the rivalry. In the betting markets, Parker leads with odds of 7/4, surpassing other contenders like Frank Lampard, Will Still, and Paul Heckingbottom.

Sunderland fans who do you want next?

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Sunderland have terminated the contract of manager Michael Beale after a brief tenure of only 12 matches, a decision fueled by recent controversies including his refusal to acknowledge a player’s handshake and comments about his accent. Beale’s departure marks the second managerial change for the club this season, following Tony Mowbray’s exit in December. During his stint, Beale led the team to three victories, four draws, and five defeats.

The decision to relieve Beale of his duties followed Sunderland’s recent 2-1 loss to Birmingham, leaving them in tenth place in the league, four points shy of the playoff positions. Tensions escalated when Beale notably ignored defender Trai Hume’s attempt at a handshake during a substitution late in a game, a move that did not sit well with fans and was exacerbated when footage of the incident spread on social media. Beale later apologized, stating he had not noticed Hume’s gesture, and praised the player’s commitment and professionalism.

Beale’s time with Sunderland was marred by fan dissatisfaction, which intensified after he made comments addressing criticism he believed was influenced by his South London accent. He defended his professional journey and the team’s performance under his guidance, suggesting that the criticism was unfounded and not solely based on footballing reasons. Beale emphasized his commitment to his role and the unfairness of personal attacks, advocating for a focus on football-related critiques.

Pressure had been mounting on Beale in recent weeks with fans fuming at the weekend after he snubbed a handshake with player Trai Hume. As the defender was subbed off in the 87th minute he put his hand out and waited for a high five from his gaffer. But Beale did not even acknowledge the player and appeared to ignore the 21-year-old. The manager has since apologised and claimed he did not see his out-stretched hand. Unfortunately for Beale, things have only got worse for him after a clip of Hume being given the cold shoulder went viral online. The player walked past and put out his hand for a handshake, only for the Sunderland boss to look straight past him. The clip garnered a huge reaction on social media, with some even demanding that the former QPR and Rangers boss be sacked. Beale has now responded to the incident on his own social media account with a statement. He wrote: “Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club. He gives everything for his teammates and the staff. I wasn’t aware that I missed his handshake until being asked about it post game. I immediately went to see him to apologise. “Trai passed a fitness test this morning to play the game and I cannot hold him in higher regard as a man or professional. He is an example of everything that is good about a young footballer and our team.”

Sunderland fans who do you want next?

Wor Flags, a fan-funded group supporting Newcastle United, made a powerful statement ahead of the team’s recent 4-4 draw with Luton Town. They used a pre-match banner displayed in the Gallowgate End to protest against what they perceive as “disgusting” kickoff times imposed on the Magpies by the Premier League and television broadcasters. The banner boldly read, “TV before fans,” accompanied by smaller flags showcasing some of the club’s inconvenient kickoff times in recent weeks.

Among the examples highlighted were Newcastle’s 8 pm match against Liverpool on New Year’s Day, an 8:15 pm kickoff at Villa Park on a Tuesday, a 7 pm FA Cup match away at Fulham, and an 8 pm fixture at Arsenal. Remarkably, this season, Newcastle has only been granted one 3 pm away game. Nevertheless, their dedicated fans have continued to support the team despite these challenging kickoff times.

This protest took place during the Premier League’s “Green Football Weekend,” aimed at encouraging fans to consume more plant-based meals to reduce carbon emissions. Many supporters have noted the irony of this campaign, given the frequent air travel undertaken by Premier League teams while fans often struggle to use public transportation for late kickoff times dictated by broadcasters like TNT Sports and Sky Sports.

Following the unveiling of the banner, Wor Flags issued a statement, emphasizing their dedication to raising awareness about the inconvenient kickoff times imposed by broadcasters in both the Premier League and the FA Cup since the start of the year. They argued that this situation contradicts the spirit of the Green Football Weekend, which certain broadcasters are celebrating.

The statement read: “Today’s display in the Gallowgate is dedicated to highlighting the disgusting kickoff times that have been imposed on us by broadcasters in both the Premier League and the FA Cup since the turn of the year, making a mockery of the Green Football Weekend celebrated by certain broadcasters. Newcastle United fans are some of the most passionate and loyal supporters around, committed to following our team across the country. It is this dedication and passion that is taken for granted by TV companies and football’s governing bodies. So far this season, we have only had one Saturday 3 pm away kickoff.”

The statement continued, “The cost of being a football fan is constantly rising, with increased expenses for trains, buses, and fuel for cars making it an expensive endeavor. Yet, the persistent disregard for match-going fans in scheduling kickoff times is placing immense strain on supporters. While we continue to fill away ends, we have not forgotten about those fans priced out by the greed in the game, those who initially made English football so attractive to a global audience.”

“Late announcements of games to accommodate broadcasters and television viewers have a profound impact on the fans, who are often described as the lifeblood of the sport. We are calling on broadcasters, the Premier League, The FA, and the clubs to do more for match-going fans. Put an end to unsocial kickoff times, make travel more equitable for fans, and halt the greed,” the statement concluded.

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