John O’Shea emerges as surprise candidate for Sunderland manager’s job

Follow us on Google Discover

The long-serving Sunderland defender is out of contract this summer.

John O’Shea has emerged as a surprise candidate to become Sunderland’s next manager with one bookmaker.

Defender O’Shea is out of contract at Sunderland this summer, but has vowed to continue his playing career despite turning 37 at the end of last month.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Irishman has interest from Championship clubs, although Paddy Power’s updated odds list suggests he could take a different route next season.

Climbing above the former Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy (12/1), O’Shea is now 7/1 to succeed Chris Coleman – behind only Michael Appleton (7/2) and Chris Wilder, the long-time odds-on favourite

The Waterford native has spent the past seven years at Sunderland, for whom he has made more than 250 appearances.

In quotes published by the Chronicle, O’Shea, who has begun his coaching badges, was talked up for a backroom role by David Moyes at the end of last season.

Could Sunderland consider John O’Shea as manager ahead of the new season?