Ally McCoist is a surprise name in the frame to take over at Sunderland – but would he try to bring one or two of his former Rangers players with him?
The harsh reality facing Sunderland is that, due to the club’s severe lack of funds, they will be forced to target an out-of-work or inexperienced manager to replace the departed Simon Grayson, as reported by The Chronicle.
It is no coincidence, then, that the unattached Ally McCoist has emerged as a shock candidate to take over at the Stadium of Light. The Mail claims that the former striker, who played for Sunderland between 1981 and 1983, is a close friend of chief executive Martin Bain and is on the shortlist to succeed Grayson, who was sacked on Tuesday.
McCoist would perhaps be seen as a cheap option for a club who do not have the funds to pay compensation to get a manager out of his existing job. And, having been out of work since leaving Rangers in 2014, the 55-year-old may be a little rusty.
Rangers reunion
Though his reputation and stature in the game could help Sunderland make the most of the January transfer market in spite of their miniscule budget. McCoist did not hide his disappointment when Steven Naismith jumped ship from Rangers upon their demotion in 2012 but pair could form an excellent partnership if reunited on Wearside.
The former Scotland international faces an uncertain future at Championship rivals Norwich City, The Sun reporting in May that The Canaries were even considering letting the 31-year-old leave on a free transfer.
As it stands, Naismith is still at Norwich but would surely play a far more central role at Sunderland. An intelligent and technically gifted number ten with an eye for goal, Naismith possesses a range of attributes that Sunderland’s toothless attack have lacked for far too long.
McCoist would need players he knows and trusts if he is to turn around the seemingly sinking Sunderland. And signing Naismith would be an excellent first move.
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