Martin O’Neill is at the centre of speculation that he has offered his resignation to Sunderland.
In an unusual move the Sunderland press office have denied rather than ignored the speculation.
O’Neill has been at The Stadium of Light for just under a year and watched his side lose 4-2 at home to West Brom today.
Despite an impressive first dozen games after replacing Steve Bruce last season Sunderland are just three points above the relegation zone and have lost their last three home matches to Aston Villa, Everton and West Brom. On Tuesday night Sunderland face QPR at home with Harry Redknapp taking charge of the Londoners for the first time.
After today’s defeat O’Neill gave no hint that he may be about to resign saying: “I think there’s a lot to take out of the match, a lot to take out of it. We have been beaten, but we look as if we can maybe get a goal again now, which is very encouraging.
“We have a big game on Tuesday night and we will try to get ourselves prepared for that.”
O’Neill’s troubles are in contrast to Steve Clark who has lifted West Brom into third place in his first managerial job.
Following Roy Hodgson was always going to be a big task but the former St Mirren defender is revelling in the opportunity to be his own boss.
“We have had a lot of plaudits and the players deserve it because so far, we have been a really good team,” he said.
“But you don’t get carried away in the Premier League. We are still this side of Christmas, there are a lot of games to be played, a lot of points to be fought for. Our focus is on Wednesday night, that’s as far ahead as we look.” West Brom travel to face Swansea on Wednesday night.
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I said at the start this was a poor choice of club for him. Despite the denials, it is only a matter of time, clearly things are not right on or off the park.