Ex-Hearts boss Daniel Stendel makes move to return to British football

Former Hearts boss Daniel Stendel has applied to become the new Sunderland boss.

The Black Cats are on the hunt for a replacement for Phil Parkinson after he was sacked 13 months into his two-and-a-half year contract.

According to the Evening News’ sister title the Sunderland Echo, Stendel has submitted his application.

The German has been out of work since leaving Hearts in the summer.

Stendel is familiar with English football and League One where Sunderland are currently eighth having failed to win their last three.

He led Barnsley into the Championship in the 2018/19 campaign, finishing second behind Luton Town and ahead of Portsmouth, Charlton Athletic and Sunderland who were then managed by Hibs manager Jack Ross.

The 46-year-old left the Tykes after a difficult start to the 2019/20 season before being appointed Craig Levein’s replacement at Tynecastle in December.

He won five of 17 games at Hearts before the season came to an end due to the coronavirus pandemic with the club bottom of the Premiership.

Former Hearts manager Daniel Stendel has applied for the Sunderland job. Picture: SNS

With the club consigned to the Championship following the SPFL resolution vote and the subsequent failure of league reconstruction, it was agreed Stendel would leave the club.

Sunderland present a huge opportunity. The Stadium of Light side are in their third season in League One having failed in the play-off final in Ross' first season before a lowly eighth place finish last campaign.

Stendel will likely face stiff competition with former Huddersfield boss Danny Cowleyand ex-Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook also reportedly keen on the job.