Sunderland owner Ellis Short has insisted he will make the best decision for the club as he attempts to find a successor to Paolo Di Canio.
Almost a fortnight on from the Italian's departure, the Black Cats are yet to appoint a replacement, with Short still considering his options after speaking to a series of candidates.
However, the Texan businessman is determined to get it right and as a result, will take his time.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Saturday evening's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United, Short said: "We now have a very important decision to make.
"Our only consideration in making that decision is what is best for the club.
"In doing so, we feel the weight of the entire city and beyond, along with the history of this massive football club.
"The appointment of a replacement head coach is our priority and I urge you to ignore the speculation in the media about the selection process, because most of it is completely wrong."
Gus Poyet has been the bookmakers' favourite to get the job since it emerged that Roberto Di Matteo had distanced himself from the vacancy, but Rene Meulesteen, Gianfranco Zola, Tony Pulis and Alex McLeish have all been linked with the Black Cats in recent days.
Interim head coach Kevin Ball, who has expressed his own interest in the post, remained at the helm for the United game with the Black Cats still looking for their first league win of the season.
Short admitted: "It has been a terrible start to the season and we are now living with the inevitable disruption related to parting company with our head coach.
Source: PA
