MIKE Dodds was updated on Sunderland's search for a new head coach during brief talks with the club's hierarchy on Wednesday - but says there's been no discussion as to whether he's a candidate for the role on a full-time basis.

Dodds has confirmed that he will still be in charge for Saturday's trip to Bristol City while Sunderland's bosses continue to speak to candidates, with Will Still today responding to the reports linking him with the vacancy.

Still confirmed that there has been interest from England but didn't specify Sunderland and strongly hinted that he didn't want to leave Reims during the season.

Dodds, meanwhile, insists his only focus is on preparing for Saturday's game at Ashton Gate, where the Black Cats are looking to make it three wins on the bounce in the Championship.

The interim head coach enjoyed a much-needed day off on Wednesday but did speak to Sunderland's bosses.

"We had a couple of conversations," Dodds revealed.

"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."

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Asked whether he's being considered as a candidate after guiding Sunderland to two impressive wins, Dodds said: "I haven't asked. The plan was to do the two games [West Brom and Leeds], 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."

Dodds enjoyed a much-needed break on Wednesday before returning to the Academy of Light on Thursday morning as attention turned to Bristol City.

"I'm semi-refreshed," he said.

"I got most of my Christmas shopping done, had a nice bite to eat, couple of drinks then yesterday evening couldn't help but get my laptop out and watch a couple of games of Bristol, but I suppose that's where I'm learning in terms of this job that when you sit in this position you can't leave anything to chance.

"That's something that maybe as I get older I might get better with, but at the moment the intensity I put on myself I can't leave anything to chance."

Sunderland's bosses continue to assess their options and speak to candidates, with Still quizzed on the links to the Black Cats during a Reims press conference on Thursday. Reports claimed the 31-year-old had spoken to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus earlier this week.

He said: "Unless Stade de Reims decides to fire me, because we lose matches and you never know in football... My intention is to concentrate on the Lens match and try to win it. Then concentrate on the Le Havre match and try to win it then try to finally take advantage of some time off and come back after the break to try to qualify for the Coupe de France. That's my intention and my desire today."