Who will replace Sam Allardyce as Sunderland manager?

23 July 2016 08:23

Sam Allardyce was on Friday handed his dream job of managing England, 10 years after missing out on the role.

His departure from Sunderland leaves the club looking for a ninth permanent boss in less than eight years.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the potential contenders.

DAVID MOYES

Former Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss Moyes is the red-hot favourite with reports suggesting he is already in advanced talks with the Black Cats. He was also on Sunderland's radar when they looked for a replacement for Dick Advocaat in October last year. His stock may have fallen since his ill-fated spells in Manchester and San Sebastian, but the job he did during his 11 years at Everton make him an attractive proposition.

SEAN DYCHE

Dyche is held in such high regard at the Stadium of Light that his was the name at the top of the list when Advocaat initially rejected the chance to extend his stay on Wearside last summer. What he has achieved since by guiding Burnley back into the Premier League has only enhanced his standing.

ROY HODGSON

Hodgson's bruising exit from the England job may have damaged his reputation, but he remains a vastly experienced and successful coach. The much-travelled former Fulham, Liverpool and West Brom boss has an enviable track record and, perhaps sadly for him, he is available.

NIGEL PEARSON

Pearson was appointed Derby boss in May after almost a year out of the game following his untimely exit from Leicester. However, the foundations he laid at the King Power Stadium - upon which successor Claudio Ranieri built to guide the Foxes to a remarkable Premier League title success - have not been forgotten.

MANUEL PELLEGRINI

If Sunderland want experience - and in Advocaat and Allardyce, they have sought just that when making their most recent managerial appointments - few come with longer or more impressive CVs than Pellegrini. However, he is likely to have plenty of offers after making way for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

FRANK DE BOER

Dutchman De Boer was linked with Everton before compatriot Ronald Koeman was handed the reins in June. His four title successes with Ajax underline his coaching ability and his apparent willingness to ply his trade in England could prove in Sunderland's favour.

Source: PA