Many, Many names have been linked to the job, but who will take over a in the end...I'm no clearer than you - but here's a few predictions I've heard, and my opinion on them...Feel free to add yours :
Successful at Championship Burnley, there is every chance of Coyle being a decent contender. On the back of a cup-run that has seen Burnley knock out both Arsenal & Chelsea, Coyle is in vogue currently.
Chance : 6/10
Seen by the press as a favourite for the role, his Newcastle role may put off some Mackems. However, a proven Premier League gaffer, who could put fire into Sunderland's bellies. Has a strong chance as he is the best proven candidate.
Chance : 8/10
Laurent Blanc - Bordeaux - 43
Although he seems a surprise name, Blanc maybe more likely than you think. A large French presence at the club and a good grasp of English set Blanc up nicely for the job, as does an apparent recommendation from Fergie. Could be one to look out for.
Personally, I can't see this one at all. It would be very risky for Sunderland to take a chance on an inexperienced manager. Although he is familiar at the club it could be risky to start a new manager in a relegation dog fight.
Chance : 4/10
He is after all, a UEFA cup winner, and should not be discounted purely for his poor spell in charge of Tottenham. He is still recognised as a quality manager and Sunderland won't discard him completely.
Former Sunderland gaffer McCarthy is apparently in line for a sensational return. It could happen, as he knows the club, and was reasonably successful at first, and knows Niall Quinn although a return seems unlikely despite current good form from Wolves.
Again, revered in Sunderland, Rae would be comfortable at the club, and has past management experience. However, despite this, is relatively unproven and therefore could be appointed as an assistant to a more experienced manager in order to be mentored.
Although recently suspended for his part in a bribery scandal, Dariusz Kubicki still has an outside chance due to his relative success managing in Poland, ties with the club, and low budget demands. An expert on Eastern European football, Kubicki could be appointed in a scouting position.
From Football Rumours
Owen Coyle - Burnley - 42
Successful at Championship Burnley, there is every chance of Coyle being a decent contender. On the back of a cup-run that has seen Burnley knock out both Arsenal & Chelsea, Coyle is in vogue currently.
Chance : 6/10
Sam Allardyce - Unemployed - 54
Seen by the press as a favourite for the role, his Newcastle role may put off some Mackems. However, a proven Premier League gaffer, who could put fire into Sunderland's bellies. Has a strong chance as he is the best proven candidate.
Chance : 8/10
Laurent Blanc - Bordeaux - 43
Although he seems a surprise name, Blanc maybe more likely than you think. A large French presence at the club and a good grasp of English set Blanc up nicely for the job, as does an apparent recommendation from Fergie. Could be one to look out for.
Chance : 6.5/10
Dwight Yorke - Sunderland (Player) - 37
Personally, I can't see this one at all. It would be very risky for Sunderland to take a chance on an inexperienced manager. Although he is familiar at the club it could be risky to start a new manager in a relegation dog fight.
Chance : 4/10
Juande Ramos - Unemployed - 54
He is after all, a UEFA cup winner, and should not be discounted purely for his poor spell in charge of Tottenham. He is still recognised as a quality manager and Sunderland won't discard him completely.
Chance : 7.5/10
Mick McCarthy - Wolves - 49
Former Sunderland gaffer McCarthy is apparently in line for a sensational return. It could happen, as he knows the club, and was reasonably successful at first, and knows Niall Quinn although a return seems unlikely despite current good form from Wolves.
Chance : 4.5/10
Alex Rae - Unemployed - 39
Again, revered in Sunderland, Rae would be comfortable at the club, and has past management experience. However, despite this, is relatively unproven and therefore could be appointed as an assistant to a more experienced manager in order to be mentored.
Chance : 5/10
Dariusz Kubicki - Unemployed - 45
Although recently suspended for his part in a bribery scandal, Dariusz Kubicki still has an outside chance due to his relative success managing in Poland, ties with the club, and low budget demands. An expert on Eastern European football, Kubicki could be appointed in a scouting position.
Chance : 2/10
Chris Turner - Hartlepool (Director of Football) - 50
Another ex-player at Sunderland, Turner has been unsuccessful in his last two jobs at Stockport & Sheffield Wednesday, but was viewed as one of the country's best prospects during his time with Hartlepool. An outside chance but probably to bigger a risk.
Another ex-player at Sunderland, Turner has been unsuccessful in his last two jobs at Stockport & Sheffield Wednesday, but was viewed as one of the country's best prospects during his time with Hartlepool. An outside chance but probably to bigger a risk.
Chance : 3.5/10
Phil Brown - Hull - 49
Phil Brown is a boyhood Sunderland fan, but claims not to be interested. This seems unlikely to me and I feel that he is the leading contender for the job alongside Allardyce. Having galvanized Hull, Brown is surely capable of this role and will be high up in the mind of the board members.
Chance : 8.5/10
Tony Pulis
The Stoke gaffer has a good track record and has led Stoke to a respectable Premier League position. With a bigger budget, he could possibly establish them as a true premier league force. If Sunderland can offer this budget, then Pulis may be the man for them.
Chance : 6/10
I think that it will go to either Allardyce or Brown
