After Tom Weal’s departure, Sunderland may need to wait or pay a high price to sign ex-Wolves coach Neil Cutler.
Sunderland have hit a stumbling block in their attempts to hire Neil Cutler as their next goalkeeping coach.
Cutler, who was previously on the coaching staff at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is now on prolonged gardening leave following his departure from Molineux, which may hinder any immediate appointment. According to The Sun, Sunderland would have to either wait out his contractual leave term or give a substantial compensation package to bring him in immediately.
The move comes after Sunderland announced the resignation of first-team goalkeeping coach Tom Weal, who has joined League Two club Milton Keynes Dons in a new position. Weal joined the Black Cats in February from Carlisle United, filling the hole caused by Mike Dodds’ departure to Wycombe Wanderers. Despite his brief tenure on Wearside, Weal developed a solid bond with head coach Régis Le Bris and rapidly established himself as a trusted member of the backroom squad.
Working closely with Anthony Patterson and the club’s senior keepers, Weal helped to Sunderland’s strong defensive conclusion to the 2024-25 season, allowing them to win a stunning promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs.
In a statement, the club expressed gratitude for Weal’s contributions and best wishes. Stuart English, Head of Coaching, added: “After arriving following Mike Dodds’ departure, [Tom] immediately connected with our coaching team and players. He was instrumental for the rest of the season as the squad accomplished something truly remarkable.”
Weal’s resignation is the first official change to Le Bris’ staff since promotion was achieved at Wembley, however more changes to the Premier League coaching structure are expected in the coming weeks. Cutler, 47, is widely considered as one of English football’s most recognized goalkeeper coaches, having previously worked with Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion before joining Wolves. It is unclear whether Sunderland will be able to overcome the current contractual complications, but their interest appears genuine and persistent.
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