Sunderland are searching for a new manager after David Moyes’ departure from Stadium of Light was confirmed on Monday night.
The 54-year-old Scot was appointed as Sam Allardyce’s successor in July, but following the Black Cats’ relegation to the Championship, the former Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss has decided to call time on his tenure in Wearside – despite indicating earlier this month that he would continue in his role as Sunderland boss.
Moyes had just become the first Sunderland boss to complete a full season in six years and, with owner Ellis Short striving for stability as the Black Cats prepare for life in the second tier of English football for the first time in a decade, the Scot’s decision to quit will considered as something of a setback.
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Nevertheless, Sunderland’s attentions will turn to finding a successor and it is an appointment that Short will be determined to get right. Derby County assistant boss Kevin Phillips has been installed as Paddy Power’s 9/2 (5.50) favourite to take up the reins at Stadium of Light and, given his connection to the club – Phillips played over 200 games for the Wearsiders – the 43-year-old may well prove to be a popular choice with the supporters.
Phillips, though, has never managed before and his lack of experience may count against him when Short considers the contenders to replace Moyes.
One man who certainly does not lack experience is former England manager Roy Hodgson. Hodgson has been out of work since leaving his post with the Three Lions following a bitterly disappointing Euro 2016 campaign last summer and it remains to be seen whether Short could persuade the 69-year-old to step back into the limelight. Hodgson is a 7/1 (8.0) chance to succeed Moyes.
Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is also available at 7/1 (8.0) to make the move to Wearside, but given the fierce rivalry between Boro and the Black Cats, such an appointment is unlikely to be well received by Sunderland faithful and Short may shy away from an appointment that could cause friction at a time when the backing of the supporters is needed more than ever.
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Paddy Power offer 7/1 (8.0) that Chris Wilder, who has just led Sheffield United back to the Championship from League One, gives up his post at Bramall Lane to take on the job at Sunderland, but Wilder will surely be keen to see what he can achieve with the Blades next term, having claimed the title in the third tier of English football this season.
Former Swansea City boss Garry Monk is certainly an interesting contender - the 38-year-old has been heavily linked with the vacancy at Middlesbrough amid speculation that the Leeds United boss will make a move away from Elland Road this summer.
The Black Cats could try to tempt Monk into taking charge at Stadium of Light for the forthcoming campaign and, having come close to guiding Leeds into the play-offs, Monk may fancy his chances of a successful season with Sunderland.
The 6/1 (7.0) quote on offer, therefore, for Garry Monk to be appointed as Sunderland’s next manager may well offer decent value for punters.
