Jack Ross is set to become Sunderland’s manager, with confirmation of his move south from St Mirren expected by Thursday evening.
Stewart Donald, who completed his takeover of the League One club on Monday, is confident of securing the highly rated 41-year-old as Chris Coleman’s replacement. Only a late hijack on the part of the Championship side Ipswich Town seems capable of derailing the deal.
St Mirren announced on Wednesday they had received a formal approach from Sunderland for Ross’s services and had “reluctantly” granted permission for talks.
Soon afterwards Donald tweeted: “We’ve agreed terms with our man and it’s with the legals now. By close of play tomorrow I would hope to make an announcement. All on course.”
Confusion reigned earlier in the day when Gordon Scott, the chairman of the newly promoted Scottish Premiership side, voiced annoyance with Donald for allegedly breaching protocol by speaking to Ross behind his back.
It was perhaps unwise of Sunderland’s new owner to tell a radio interviewer: “We’ve agreed terms – literally this morning, we’re just drawing up contracts – with the man we want. The man in question is absolutely thrilled.”
Ross led St Mirren to promotion in his first full campaign in charge. The Scot’s work while winning the Championship north of the border has attracted admirers and last week he held “advanced talks” with Ipswich over their vacancy.
Although St Mirren made him an improved offer, it is understood the remuneration package offered by the Wearside club relegated from the Premier League only 12 months ago, will at least quadruple his salary.
A journeyman utility player turned highly innovative coach, Ross holds an MA in economics from Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University.
Previously in charge of Alloa Athletic, he helped St Mirren avoid relegation in 2016-17 before masterminding this season’s promotion, rejecting an approach from Barnsley along the way.
“There’s been no contact from Sunderland so, unless there’s been some major skulduggery, then it’s nonsense,” said Scott on Tuesday morning before receiving the official approach. It is thought St Mirren will receive around £50,000 in compensation.
