Sunderland are keeping faith with manager Regis Le Bris despite a difficult start to the Premier League season, but former chief scout Mick Brown has suggested Thomas Frank would be a strong candidate if the club decides to make a change.
The Black Cats are bottom of the Premier League after taking just five points from their opening nine matches, with only one victory so far this term. A defeat against Coventry has increased scrutiny on the French coach, who guided the team into the division and led them to seventh place last season.
European success bolsters Le Bris position
Sunderland's European campaign has provided brighter moments, with wins over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense. That success appears to have helped convince the club's hierarchy that Le Bris remains the right man for the job.
The club believes that stability will prove more beneficial than an overhaul, and Le Bris remains central to Sunderland's plans moving forward, despite questions over his tactics and team selections from some corners.
Frank available as potential replacement
However, if Sunderland's stance were to change, Brown believes the ideal option is available. He thinks former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank would be keen to move to the Stadium of Light.
“If Sunderland do make a change then the next question is about where they're going to look,” Brown told Football Insider.
“It's not as simple as just saying 'yeah, let's change the manager', because you have to be sure that whoever comes in next is going to make the positive difference that you want.
“There's no point making a change of manager, and then you're still struggling on the pitch, and that's a risk every club has to take.
“Thomas Frank, for example, is somebody who is available, and I'm sure will be very much on Sunderland's radar if they do decide to make a change. He's out of work at the moment and looking to get back into the job by all accounts, so I'm sure taking over at Sunderland would be something that appeals to him.
“I'd have my doubts after his time at Tottenham, but he is still held in very high regard for what he did at Brentford, and that will be the case at Sunderland I'm sure.
“But there are other managers who they could target as well if they do decide to make a change, so it depends where he ranks on their list.
“For now, it seems like they want to stick with Le Bris, because are any of the options available going to do a better job than him? It would be difficult, that's for sure.”
