NEIL LENNON is among a host of candidates linked with the Sunderland manager’s job after the sacking of another former Celtic boss Tony Mowbray.
There has been the usual scramble of names for the Wearside post including ex-Hibs gaffer Paul Heckingbottom who was fired by struggling Premier League outfit Sheffield United yesterday.
Veteran gaffer Neil Warnock, who has been without a club since being dismissed by Huddersfield Town in September, is reported to be in the running while ex-Birmingham City boss John Eustace is also in the frame.
HAPPIER TIMES…Tony Mowbray shows his delight after being named Celtic manager in June 2009.
Ironically, Lennon took over from Mowbray, 60, when the club’s former centre-back’s stint as Hoops team chief ended after only nine months following his appointment in the wake of Gordon Strachan’s departure in the summer of 2009.
The 52-year-old Irishman has been on the look-out for a return to the dug-out since leaving Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia in October last year.
Mowbray had been the Championship club’s boss for just 15 months before yesterday’s exit which came just two days after his side’s 1-1 draw at Millwall had extended their recent run to one win from their last five games.
Mark Venus, who had been No.2 at Parkhead during the manager’s ill-fated reign, has also parted company with the club.
Coach Mike Dodds will take over in a caretaker capacity for Saturday’s game against West Brom while the club search for a long-term successor.
Coincidentally, Lennon had also been among the favourites for the Sunderland manager’s job before Alex Neil was named as the new chief after Lee Johnson’s sacking in February last year, as CQN reported at the time.
Another ex-Celt, Roy Keane, had been expected to get the post, but talks collapsed which led to the Republic of Ireland legend turning down he opportunity.
In February 2022, Lennon, speaking about the Sunderland job, admitted: “It’s very appealing. It has a fantastic fanbase and in a reasonably good position in the league, that would be a job anyone would be interested in
“But it is so competitive now, the manager’s race to get back in or keep your job. There are so many good coaches around.
“England is the place everyone wants to be. The Premier League is the marquee league.”
