A crucial update has emerged regarding Sunderland and their search for Lee Johnson's successor as manager at the Stadium of Light...
What's the talk?
Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that talks on Friday will play a key role in the club's decision-making process as they look for their next head coach.
He tweeted: "Roy Keane is being interviewed today for Sunderland managerial vacancy. Interviews will conclude today before decision is made. Keane remains preferred choice of many, but today's talks crucial as to which way things go. Grant McCann also in frame."
Elation
This update from Hope will surely leave Sunderland fans feeling elated, as it suggests that a decision from the club is imminent and the supporters will not have to wait too much longer before finding out who the new manager will be.
Johnson was sacked after the 6-0 defeat to Bolton last week and the Black Cats are heading into a League One clash with Doncaster on Saturday without a permanent head coach in place. This could frustrate supporters, as every single match is important for the Wearsiders in their fight to land an automatic promotion place, which is why this latest claim will be music to the fans' ears.
Sunderland are currently third in the League One table and looking up at Wigan and Rotherham ahead of them, with both sides having games in hand on the Black Cats. This means that they need to start stringing a run of wins together, and quickly, if they want to have a good chance of breaking into the top two.
Having a permanent manager in place could help them to do just that, as the players would know exactly what to expect and what their position in the squad is. As it stands, no-one knows who will be taking over and what their plans for the playing squad and the style of play will be, which could put a cloud of doubt in the heads of the players as they question whether or not they will be needed.
Therefore, fans will be elated by the club's imminent decision to appoint a manager, whether that is Grant McCann or Roy Keane. Kristjaan Speakman is seemingly set to decide on the best candidate after the interview process on Friday, and supporters could be excited to see who he opts for in the coming days, whilst being delighted that it is not set to drag out much longer.
AND in other news, Reporter drops big Sunderland manager "appointment" update which will leave fans gutted...