Sunderland FC

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Allardyce eyes Black Cats job

05 Dec 2008 - 17:00:30

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Former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is interested in succeeding Roy Keane as Sunderland manager.

The 54-year-old, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Newcastle in January, believes he has the credentials to lift the Black Cats out of the relegation zone.

Allardyce, who has already been installed as the bookmakers' favourite for the Stadium of Light post, spent eight successful years as Bolton boss before joining the Magpies 18 months ago.

"Sunderland are a great club so of course I'd be interested in talking to them," said Allardyce.

"I have huge respect for the chairman Niall Quinn and the job he's done."

Allardyce, who spent a brief part of his playing career with Sunderland, added in The Sun: "I enjoyed the year I had at Sunderland and also when I did some coaching work there under Peter Reid.

"I also know how passionate the fans are about their team."

Keane left the Stadium of Light on Thursday after spending just over two years in charge of the Black Cats.