Billy Davies would be an astute appointment for Sunderland, if they choose that path

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The former Nottingham Forest and Derby County boss comes with a lot of baggage, but he knows how to win football matches.

Nottingham Forest Manager Billy Davies

As the manager situation at Sunderland continues to be unresolved following David Moyes’ resignation, one man whose name recently entered the fray was Billy Davies, as reported by the Sunderland Echo, and the Black Cats could do a lot worse than hire the fiery Scot.

The 53-year-old hasn’t managed since being sacked at Nottingham Forest in his second spell with the Reds in 2014, and left under a huge cloud after off-the-pitch decisions – such as media blackouts and numerous fallouts, as reported by The Telegraph – and hasn’t been considered for anything really since.

Derby County manager Billy Davies celebrates promotion

If Davies is left to manage however, then there is no getting away from it – he is a very good Championship manager, who is hugely respected by a number of his ex-players – both young and old – and the figures back that claim up.

In his two spells with Forest, which saw him take the Reds to two top-six finishes, Davies took charge of 186 matches – losing just 51. Forest also went the entire calendar year of 2010 unbeaten at home under Davies’ guidance, and compared to other teams in the division, Forest were nowhere near as financially backed.

Wes Morgan (L) and Kelvin Wilson – Nottingham Forest look dejected

Then you look at his time with Derby County, whom he won promotion to the Premier League, despite also being massively up against the odds. Davies also took Preston North End to the play-offs twice in the Championship.

With the resources Sunderland have and with some of the players still there, hiring someone like Davies could be a masterstroke – if he’s left to on-field matters. If Sunderland allow him control off the pitch like he did at Forest, it could end very badly for the Black Cats. It’s a risk, but it could be one worth taking.

General view – Stadium of Light Sunderland