Former Sunderland managers Chris Coleman and Jack Ross have both been doing the rounds in today's news, with the latter taking over at Dundee. Former striker Louis Saha has also had his say on Ross Stewart's future.
COLEMAN REFLECTS
Chris Coleman took the Sunderland job when we were bottom of the Championship and in all honesty, it was doomed from the start. But the Welshman insists he has no regrets, despite never actually meeting his chairman: "Lots of people told me not to take it; they were bottom of the Championship, the owner was selling up and so on. But I always enjoyed playing at Sunderland, and I thought I could stabilise them. With the atmosphere that the crowd can generate, I thought we could kick on. I was wrong. I had options elsewhere, but I don't regret it because I met some fantastic people. Sadly, I couldn't tell you anything about Ellis Short - I only know what he looks like from photos. I never met or spoke to him. He wouldn't engage with me at all. We lost a load of players to injury and needed signings in January, but I was told that the owner wasn't interested. I took a chance at turning things around, but I failed. I'm pleased to see them back in the Championship."
Coleman also spoke of the intrusive Netflix cameras, and claims he has never watched the documentary back. Who can blame him? "I didn't know about the documentary when I signed my contract. When I arrived, I was told they had dressing room access and I refused. I said that I'd speak to them but they weren't coming into the dressing room. After we were relegated, against Burton, I was signing autographs for some kids and this drunk guy came over and called me a prick. I remember thinking, 'OK, we've lost a game of football and we've been relegated, but that doesn't give you the right to come and talk to me like that'. So, I was trying to make the point that I was like everyone else with a family. But I've never seen the documentary and I don't want to."
ROSS BACK IN SCOTLAND
In other managerial news, Jack Ross has finally been announced as Dundee United manager after weeks of speculation. He will face his old club Sunderland in pre-season, with the two sides facing off on July 16. With a former gaffer in the dugout it's set to be a great atmosphere, and ALS are running coach travel North of the border, along with every other UK-based friendly. Upon his arrival, Ross said: “I’ve had a spell out of management and was happy to have a break. I’ve had offers from Scotland, England and overseas to return to work but I haven’t had that real buzz of excitement that you need to go in and do a good job. In all the conversations I’ve had with the club, I’ve felt that buzz and excitement. I firmly believe I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity at a terrific football club. What we did last year was brilliant, but the challenge is to deliver consistent success to the club. There’s a historical aspect to this too. I grew up with Scottish football and I understand Dundee United’s historical standing in the game. It’s already a big club but the potential is there for it to continue growing. I’ve got to deliver success to meet those expectations."
SAHA: STEWART SHOULD STAY
Meanwhile, Louis Saha is the latest pundit to give his opinion on Sunderland's in-demand striker Ross Stewart. Saha didn't have much impact at Sunderland, starting just twice and making 14 substitute appearances without scoring. However, he's backed the Loch Ness Drogba to succeed on Wearside, despite interest from Scottish giants Rangers: "Ross Stewart is on fire and he knows he's an attractive player for a club like Rangers and I think he could be swayed by a move there. I think that staying in the Championship is best because you'll then have that base to show that you can make the step up. I also think that when you want to improve as a player, stability at one club is best so I would suggest that Ross stays at Sunderland next season and waits for a move."
