John Hartson has admitted that people were surprised that Chris Coleman took the job at Sunderland and he is unsure what will happen with the former Wales boss.
Sunderland have just suffered a second successive relegation, dropping down from the Championship into League One after a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Burton Albion.
There are question marks over Coleman's future and ex-Wales star Hartson admits he does not know what the Welshman will do.
Hartson also insists that there were a number of raised eyebrows when Coleman agreed to accept the post at the Stadium of Light.
The former Wales star said on BT Sport Score: "A lot of people were surprised that Chris took that job.
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"If he'd hung around a bit longer he would have had an option of a different job.
"We don't know what the contract was. Maybe they offered him big amounts of money, we don't know.
"They have been having a go in recent weeks.
"I'm disappointed for Chris because he's a great friend of mine.
"I'm not too sure what will happen now.
"Will he stay? I don't know."
Coleman took over from Simon Grayson as Sunderland manager, with the former Preston North End boss sacked after just one win in 16 Championship games.
The former Wales boss had no funds to revamp the squad in the January transfer window and now Sunderland will be playing in League One next term, which will include a trip to the Wham Stadium to play League Two leaders Accrington Stanley.
