The opening whistle had no sooner stopped reverberating before a chant of 'Mike Dodds' Red and White army' took centre stage.

As much as I am certain the vocal backing was appreciated, you couldn't help but feel the motives were as much to do with the recently departed and the apathy towards him as the present incumbent.

By the time we reach mid May it seems that an interim manager, Mike Dodds, will have overseen the fortunes of the club for more games than the permanent predecessor managed. The dismissal of managers very early into their tenure is not new but what it does do is cast doubts on the attributes of those who concluded that the individual was, then, the best person for the job.

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Beale arrived to little fanfare and less fan care. In light of a decision to dismiss him so soon after they, the broad support, would argue that such scepticism has been vindicated.

Some clubs, accustomed to success and where the aspirations are embedded within club culture, may be able to afford compliance to individuals who prefer the title of Head Coach but for Sunderland it is, I believe, more of a traditional manager that is required.

A strong and experienced manager who is permitted, when apt, to tell those above him what is needed and how it should be undertaken, not a situation where someone sits down with the powers that be at a negotiation and answers affirmatively or approves of every condition dictated by the club.

They, a manager, may well have input into training and tactics but both become increasingly redundant if not a symptom of an ethos that should reflect the stature of the respective club.

The Stadium of Light can accommodate a couple of Premier League squads short of 50,000 people. It has, at times, seen every seat taken. All this without considering the willingness to travel as an away support and a history to show the club as one of English football's leading title winners even if the last of those successes was when the brave and the bold were confronting Franco and fascism.

I ponder at times the immediate and instinctive response of players and managers when hearing of interest from Sunderland. By the time contracts are agreed and press engagements are under way we tend to hear a predictable outpouring of 'huge club' and 'potential'. It conveys a truth but doesn't always extend to the whole and nothing but.

When it comes, a new managerial appointment, the debates will ensue but irrespective of the differing opinions, what will be more clear, is that certain managers simply won't entertain the idea of operating with limitations placed upon them and which they see as a possible hindrance in any pursuit of promotion.

Even the more optimistic of Sunderland fans will not be expecting communications with Jose or Jurgen but there is a growing consensus that the present project represents a folly of youth, that whilst it may bring income through sales of players in future, it is less likely to financially benefit through returning to the elite.

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Unfortunately, evidence tells us that so many players at the club have a positive impact to begin with but then fall victim to complacency. A new player bounce, akin to what can happen with a new manager but sadly it seems unsustainable.

And, to finish with the glass half full. The play offs are still possible. To get there it would necessitate both consistency and outcomes that would not resemble the season to date but good form has to begin somewhere.

Why not Norwich?