Sunderland make managerial appointment ahead of Boxing Day showdown

Hull City and Sunderland play-off matchup at MKM Stadium on Boxing Day will pit Liam Rosenior against Michael Beale for the first time as manager.

The Black Cats, who fired Tony Mowbray at the beginning of the month due to a dispute over the direction of the Wearside outfit, have appointed Beale on a contract that runs through the summer of 2026. This is despite the fact that the club made it to the play-off semi-final last season and is in the running for promotion this year.

Mike Dodds, who had been in caretaker charge following Mowbray’s departure has been promoted to the role of assistant head coach working underneath Beale.

In a Championship league that is usually crowded, Sunderland is one spot and three points below City when the former Glasgow Rangers and QPR manager comes at the Stadium of Light. Following Mowbray’s departure, Sunderland has defeated West Brom and Leeds United at home, but on Friday night, they lost 1-0 to Bristol City, City’s rivals.

“It’s a huge honour to be joining the Sunderland family and I would like to thank Kyril [Louis-Dreyfus, Sunderland’s owner], Kristjaan and the rest of the executive team for the faith and responsibility they have placed in me,” Beale stated. “The current coaching staff should be commended greatly for how well they handled the interim phase. Like all of the club’s employees, they will be indispensable going ahead, working side by side with the amazing supporters who help SAFC become such a special and historic organization.

“It’s clear there is some excellent work being done at senior and academy level and I’m excited to support those efforts and implement my own ideas, as we build on the strong identity already established within the club.”