Mike Dodds suggests he is not currently in the running to be next Sunderland head coach

Mike Dodds says he ‘hasn’t asked’ if he’s in contention to be the next permanent Sunderland head coach, but he is aware of what’s going on.

Dodds has done brilliantly since stepping into the role following the sacking of Tony Mowbray, beating West Brom and Leeds to reignite Sunderland’s play-offs hopes.

That has seen him gain the support of many to get the job full-time, or at least until the end of the season, including Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips who was an analyst for Sky Sports for the Leeds game.#

He, though, says he has not asked for the job, and that he has been updated on the search by those running the club, which suggests he isn’t in the running for now.

"I haven't asked," Dodds said when asked if he was in consideration for the role full-time ahead of the trip to Bristol City this weekend.

"We had a couple of conversations. I'm aware of the process in terms of what's gone on, what's going on and that's where I'm at.

“From my perspective it's beyond my pay grade to answer anything further than that, but I'm aware of what's going on and I'm relaxed and comfortable in terms of when the club make a decision on what they're doing they will communicate that in due course.

"The plan was to do the two games. I planned beyond that for this game on Saturday and I've planned beyond that one up until Coventry next Saturday.

“So that just means that until the football club tells me otherwise, and I appreciate it seems like a stock answer, it's just business as usual for me."

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