Sunderland eye David Moyes
SUNDERLAND could make a shock move for Everton boss David Moyes if Martin O’Neill decides to quit in the summer.
O’Neill came under fire from some Sunderland fans during and after the tame 1-1 draw against 10-man Norwich City on Wearside last Saturday.
It’s also believed some family members who were in the directors box for the game
, which confirmed that the Black Cats are immersed in a tense battle to stay in the Premier League, were shocked by the abuse.
Seasoned O’Neill watchers fear the 61-year-old, a childhood Sunderland supporter, is becoming disillusioned with life at the Stadium of Light and could consider his future at the end of the season.
Welcomed by the fans as a saviour when he was appointed in November 2011 following the sacking of Steve Bruce, the stardust surrounding him has faded with many followers now questioning his tactics and buys.
It’s understood that American owner Ellis Short – who has sanctioned successful bids totalling £27million since the start of the season on Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson and Danny Graham – is worried about this summer’s transfer budget considering Sunderland’s underwhelming campaign.
O’Neill, an honest and diligent man, won’t stay where he is not wanted. Sunderland’s final eight games of the season, which begin with the visit of Manchester United at lunchtime on Saturday, will dictate his mood come the middle of May.
If O’Neill decides he can’t continue then Sunderland will sound out Moyes, who has just celebrated 11 years as Everton manager but has yet to agree a new contract, with his current deal running out in the summer.
It can be revealed that the Scot received overtures about taking over at the Stadium of Light when Bruce was sent packing but didn’t give Sunderland any encouragement.
This summer could provide a different scenario with Moyes, 50 next month, deliberately leaving his options open over a possible move away from Merseyside.
While Sunderland are not a top four club which would appeal to the ambitious Moyes – they lie nine places below Everton in the Premier League – the Black Cats have a bigger stadium and huge potential if they get it right on the pitch.
Moyes would also be backed in the transfer market, with Short always finding the funds if he believes the club is heading in the right direction.
One of his frustrations at Everton is that despite an amicable relationship with chairman Bill Kenwright, Moyes knows he is always vulnerable to having to sell his best players.
He fears that this close season could see the board listening to offers for stars like Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.
At Sunderland there is the chance to build in the knowledge that success would keep the best players on board.
It’s a decent bargaining tool – and one which would feature high up in any talks if the North East club are looking for a new manager.
In the meantime it’s up to O’Neill to try and guide Sunderland to Premier League saftey. It’s a tough run-in which starts with Manchester United’s visit followed by a trip to Chelsea, a Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle and then a home game against Everton.
Sunderland are bottom of the form table and many of their fans fear the worst, with the final relegation place completely open if you believe QPR and Reading are already doomed.
It’s a situation O’Neill – who 10 years ago was piloting Celtic towards the UEFA Cup final, beating Liverpool en route – didn’t envisage last August.
Now he has some supporters on his back, a team stripped of confidence and an anxious boardroom. The next few weeks should prove to be defining ones in O’Neill’s Sunderland career.
Source: Express
