Sunderland confirmed the news earlier this week that head coach Tony Mowbray had been sacked. 

The Black Cats had endured a run of three games without a win, including a disappointing home loss against Huddersfield Town, which leaves them in ninth spot, three points off the playoff positions. 

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: "All at SAFC have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tony and he is quite rightly held in high regard by our players and staff, and our supporters.

"After arriving at an uncertain time, he helped guide us to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs and played an important role in developing our team. This was a difficult decision to make, but we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step.

"We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period."

Sunderland are now being linked with several managers to take over from Mowbray, although it seems likely that interim Mike Dodds will be in charge for this weekend's visit of West Brom. 

One man who is reportedly on the shortlist is Stade de Reims boss, Will Still. 

According to The Guardian, the 31-year-old has impressed Sunderland owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, with his incredible work in France's top flight, where Reims currently sit fifth.

While the Belgian does not yet have his UEFA Pro License coaching badge, which previously forced Stade de Reims to pay a fine for each match he took charge of, he has now started studying for the top qualification. 

Still was born in Belgium to English parents so already speaks the language fluently, and started his career as an analyst at Preston North End, before progressing into management with Lierse SK in Belgium.

He boasts an eye-catching 1.60 points-per-game record with Reims, which stands out compared to Mowbray's 1.46 per game during his time at the Stadium of Light. 

Still is well-regarded as one of the top young coaches in Europe and would certainly be a progressive, exciting appointment by Sunderland.