With the dust having settled on David Moyes’ departure, we’re taking a look at the Sunderland next manager odds, as more and more candidates come forward in this betting market.
Owner Ellis Short’s last three appointments – Dick Advocaat, Sam Allardyce and Moyes – have been vastly experienced, but it remains to be seen whether the Black Cats will go down that route again.
Whoever takes charge will face a big job getting back into the Premier League, but here are our top picks and their odds to become Sunderland’s next boss.
Derek McInnes 3/2
The 45-year-old is busy preparing Aberdeen for Saturday’s Scottish Cup final clash with Celtic, having also led his side to second place in the league this season. Can boast a League Cup triumph with the Dons, won the First Division with St Johnstone and guided Bristol City to an eight-game unbeaten run that kept them in the Championship, having taken over when the Robins were bottom of the table.
Garry Monk 5/1
Could only steer Leeds to seventh place in the Championship last term, missing out on the chance to gain promotion as a closing run of just one win in eight games saw United drop out of the play-off places. Still earned plenty of plaudits for steadying the ship at that turbulent club and was also widely praised for his work at first managerial post Swansea, where he had shone as a player.
Nigel Pearson 6/1
Ticks a lot of boxes as an experienced manager and has proven he can perform at this level, leading Leicester to the Championship title in 2014. Also knows the north-east culture well, having played for Middlesbrough and coached at Newcastle.
Kevin Phillips 7/1
Would certainly be a popular appointment with the Stadium of Light supporters, who idolised the striker during his playing days at the club. Scored 135 goals in 230 appearances between 1997 and 2003, notably winning the Premier League Golden Boot with 30 in 2000. Has worked as an assistant coach with Leicester and Derby.
Roy Keane 12/1
The former Manchester United captain cut his managerial teeth with Sunderland and was named Championship manager of the year after taking them back up to the top flight in 2007. Did, however, suggest differences with Short had contributed towards his eventual resignation and appears happy with life assisting Martin O’Neill in the Republic of Ireland set-up.
Stefan Schwarz 12/1
The 48-year-old Swede made 76 appearances for Peter Reid’s Sunderland side as they finished seventh in the Premier League in both 2000 and 2001. Has worked as assistant manager at Helsingborg and with the Sweden Under-21s squad, plus declared his interest in the post when stating: “I think I understand the mentality of the Sunderland fans and the culture of the area.”
Ryan Giggs 14/1
The Manchester United legend has been touted as a candidate for several coaching jobs over the last couple of years but keeps being overlooked. Would presumably bring a strong backroom staff with him due to the contacts made during over 20 years at Old Trafford.
Aitor Karanka 14/1
The former Real Madrid assistant impressed for much of his time with Middlesbrough, steering them into the 2015 Championship play-off final and then securing promotion as runners-up 12 months later. A lack of goals hampered Boro’s chances of staying in the top flight, though, and Karanka was hounded out in March, so hardly an inspiring choice at this stage.
Our verdict: Pearson looks a worthy contender in the Sunderland next manager odds as he has proven he can build a team capable of winning the Championship and then going on to flourish in the Premier League.
