Following the news that Gus Poyet has been sacked, we look at some of the candidates to become the next Sunderland manager.
The early indications are that a short-term appointment will be made with the man the club really wants to appoint coming in at the end of the season. Here are the people the bookies currently think are the main contenders to become the next Sunderland manager.
1. Dick Advocaat
The vastly experienced Dutchman is the surprise odds-on favourite to get the job until the end of the season. The 67-year-old is currently out of work and would be available to start immediately. His only previous experience of coaching in Britain came in his time with Rangers between 1998 and 2002. The former PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands boss was most recently coaching Serbia.
2. Paul Bracewell
Bracewell is currently the development coach for Sunderland’s under-18 and under-21 squads. The 52-year-old has been touted to step up if Advocaat doesn’t take the job.
3. Kevin Ball
The former Sunderland stalwart, aged 50, has twice been given the caretake role before. He took charge of 10 games in 2006 when appointed in March, but only won one. He took charge of three more games between September and October 2013 after Paolo Di Canio was sacked, but again won only one match.
4. Sam Allardyce
Big Sam is widely expected to be relieved of his duties at West Ham in the summer when his contract expires. Could the Hammers be persuaded to let him leave early for a small compensation package? His Newcastle connections probably wouldn’t be a major factor given that he is not remembered fondly on Tyneside. But it would be a risk to take the job at this stage as the Black Cats hover above the relegation zone.
5. Alex Rae
Former Sunderland midfielder Rae is currently working as assistant to Genk manager Alex McLeish. The 45-year-old previously worked with Paul Ince at MK Dons and Blackpool. His only experience of the top job was as player-manager of Dundee between 2006 and 2008.
Who would you like to see appointed as the next Sunderland manager?
