Sunderland’s lengthy search for a head coach continues with no sign of a breakthrough, 115 days since Mike Dodds was placed in interim charge and Michael Beale’s departure confirmed.
The saga took yet another twist on Wednesday when it emerged that Liam Rosenior was increasingly unlikely to take the role, despite having been installed as the firm favourite following news over the weekend that Pascal Jansen was no longer under consideration. So who are the new favourites for the role and what is the latest with the frontrunners for the vacancy? We run you through the latest, one by one...
![Similar to Robinson, linked with the role after a hugely successful few years with Hartlepool and Stockport, but his candidacy has been quashed by senior club sources. Not in contention.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmFkNjFmM2E3LWE5NjktNDAzNy04YmZkLTBjZDAzOGUyMzZiNDplMjQ5YmM5OC0zMjIwLTQ4YzgtODJlZi1jNWQ0ZTAxZjg1ZmM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Dave Challinor - 14/1
Similar to Robinson, linked with the role after a hugely successful few years with Hartlepool and Stockport, but his candidacy has been quashed by senior club sources. Not in contention. | Getty ImagesPhoto: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
![Was odds-on favourite for a period of time but now seen as unlikely to be the next head coach. Wants to bide his time and has been in Burnley's thoughts, and Sunderland can't really afford to wait. A u-turn isn't totally out of the question but it would now be a major surprise if he was unveiled even amid reports he's longer in the race for the Burnley job.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/12/12/54/GettyImages-2151453627.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Liam Rosenior - 10/1
Was odds-on favourite for a period of time but now seen as unlikely to be the next head coach. Wants to bide his time and has been in Burnley's thoughts, and Sunderland can't really afford to wait. A u-turn isn't totally out of the question but it would now be a major surprise if he was unveiled even amid reports he's longer in the race for the Burnley job. | Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images
![Hugely admired by Sunderland's hierarchy and came close to the role last December, but opted to stay at Bayern Munich. His future there still remains up in the air to a degree but he is firmly expected to be promoted to Vincent Kompany's senior staff. Club sources have been clear for a while that they don't see it happening this time around - even if they obviously rate him highly.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/01/8/41/Rene%20Maric%20was%20previously%20an%20assistant%20coach%20at%20Borussia%20Monchengladbach.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20INA%20FASSBENDER/AFP%20via%20Getty%20Images%29.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Rene Maric - 8/1
Hugely admired by Sunderland's hierarchy and came close to the role last December, but opted to stay at Bayern Munich. His future there still remains up in the air to a degree but he is firmly expected to be promoted to Vincent Kompany's senior staff. Club sources have been clear for a while that they don't see it happening this time around - even if they obviously rate him highly. | AFP via Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images
![Sunderland are known to be big admirers and the Rosenior developments last week moved him firmly into the spotlight. The big questions remain: Is he prepared to leave QPR and more to the point, are Sunderland prepared to stump up the compensation to make it happen? One to watch closely as the interest is there from Sunderland's part. Is he the man Sunderland are currently focused on, or is there another candidate whose name has so far not got into the public domain? This one appears more unlikely the more time goes on.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/11/14/46/GettyImages-2064049668%20%281%29.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Marti Cifuentes - 11/2
Sunderland are known to be big admirers and the Rosenior developments last week moved him firmly into the spotlight. The big questions remain: Is he prepared to leave QPR and more to the point, are Sunderland prepared to stump up the compensation to make it happen? One to watch closely as the interest is there from Sunderland's part. Is he the man Sunderland are currently focused on, or is there another candidate whose name has so far not got into the public domain? This one appears more unlikely the more time goes on. | Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images