Ian Holloway has predicted the score of Michael Beale’s first Sunderland game as manager.
Ian Holloway feels Michael Beale is fortunate to have been appointed manager of Sunderland.
Beale was named earlier this week as Tony Mowbray’s long-term replacement after he was fired at the beginning of the month.
After a dismal start to the season, the 43-year-old lost his job at Ibrox, having coached QPR and Rangers in the past.
The former Steven Gerrard assistant manager is back in charge with the Wearside team after failing to stay with the Scottish powerhouses for the entire season.
Beale’s job is to prepare the Black Cats ready to contend for a Premier League promotion in 2024.
Holloway: “He should count himself very lucky”
Holloway believes Mowbray ought to have remained manager and questions if Beale is the appropriate person to lead Sunderland ahead.
When they play Coventry City this Saturday, the 60-year-old has predicted that the new head coach would lose his first game in command.
“I don’t know Michael Beale personally, but I know he has quite a big following and gets good jobs, even if he hasn’t done very well in his previous role,” Holloway said in a statement via Genting Casino.
“He should consider himself quite fortunate to have landed the position in Sunderland after losing his one in Scotland.
It’s hardly an improvement over Tony Mowbray, in my opinion.
“Tony was playing good football with young players and doing a fantastic job; he has been consistent.”
Sunderland league position
Sunderland is now three points outside of the play-off spots in the Championship table, sitting in seventh position.
Under Mowbray, the Black Cats placed sixth in the league the previous season, but they lost to Luton Town in the play-offs.
This season, the Wearside team hopes to improve even more and reclaim a spot in the elite division.
Beale’s first game in command will be this weekend’s matchup against Coventry, which is scheduled for December 23 at the Stadium of Light.
Beale under pressure immediately
Beale will be under pressure to get results immediately given Sunderland’s grand ambition to gain promotion.
Another top six finish this year would be a really positive result for the club, but competition is set to be fierce in the second half of the season.
The 43-year-old has replaced a popular figure at Sunderland, so will need to get results in order to get the fans onside.
This is also a make or break situation for Beale following his spell at Rangers damaged his reputation.
