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James Hunter

Sunderland make interim appointment while the search for a new head coach continues

Sunderland have confirmed Mike Dodds and Michael Proctor will take charge of the team while the club searches for a new head coach.

Former Birmingham City academy manager Dodds was appointed as Sunderland's head of individual player development last year, but since Elliot Dickman's departure he has taken charge of the Black Cats' U23 side along with former Sunderland striker and long-standing academy coach Proctor.

They will be helped by first team coach Phil Jevons and goalkeeping coach David Preece, who remain at the club following the sacking of head coach Lee Johnson and his assistant Jamie McAllister on Sunday.

READ MORE: Next Sunderland manager LIVE: Updates on Black Cats' search for Lee Johnson replacement

They will oversee preparations for the forthcoming home game against Doncaster Rovers and, unless an appointment is made before the weekend, will be in the dugout on Saturday.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "The recruitment process to appoint a new head coach is underway and we will provide a further update in due course.

"In the interim, we have highly-skilled staff in place to oversee the first-team programme and I know they will be fully supported by the players and those throughout the wider football club."

Sunderland coach Mike Dodds (Ian Horrocks / Getty Images)

Sunderland majority shareholder Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said in a radio interview that the search for a new head coach got under way yesterday, adding: "We'll give it the time it takes to find the appropriate candidate."

And the fact that Dodds and Proctor have been confirmed in interim charge indicates that a new permanent appointment is not imminent.

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