Former Kilmarnock player James Fowler took charge of his first game as temporary Sunderland boss last night.
The Black Cats recently dismissed manager Jack Ross following an average start to the League One season. They currently sit in sixth, eight points off the top.
An indifferent start to the season. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
It all happened just hours before they were set to face Grimsby Town in the EFL Trophy.
An unexpected turn of events for Sunderland caretaker Fowler
Fowler probably wasn’t expecting to sit in the manager’s chair when he woke up yesterday.
Ross had taken training as normal before the news was broken to him (Sunderland Echo). It leaves Fowler and fellow former SPFL men Craig Samson and John Potter in charge for now.
Fowler looked after the Grimsby match. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
They were reportedly asked to take the Grimsby game and the next two training sessions at the club. In difficult circumstances, the Black Cats beat Grimsby 3-2 at the Stadium of Light.
Due to the international break Sunderland don’t have a game this weekend, which will be a relief for everyone at the club. It allows them time to regroup and to decide who’s the right man for the job.
It may even give ex-Kilmarnock man Fowler the chance to prove he can become the new Sunderland boss.