Ally McCoist endured a poor time as a player at Sunderland, but he now wants to help them out as a manager.
Ally McCoist wants the Sunderland job
A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Ally McCoist wants to be considered for the Sunderland job almost 35 years after his torrid time as a player with the Black Cats came to an end.
McCoist joined the Black Cats in 1981 but returned to Scotland two years later having scored just nine times in 65 games in all competitions. He would subsequently go on to become Rangers’ all-time leading goalscorer.
McCoist endued an unsuccessful spell at Sunderland as a player
It is also at Ibrox where McCoist has enjoyed his only spell as a manager, having succeeded mentor Walter Smith in 2011 and staying until 2014.
It was during that period when off-field issues saw the Gers fall from second in the Scottish Premiership all the way to the bottom tier, with McCoist leading them back into the Championship before his departure.
Sunderland are still looking for their next manager following David Moyes’ departure
The Mirror is now suggesting that McCoist is keen to make a return to management with another of his former clubs as Sunderland continue to look for David Moyes’ successor at the Stadium of Light.
The Mirror adds that the presence of Martin Bain in the Sunderland hierarchy appeals to McCoist, having worked with the Black Cats chief executive at Ibrox and having previously expressed his regret at not being able to work with Bain for longer (via Mirror).
Given McCoist’s lack of experience in the dug-out, it would perhaps be a surprise if the fans are particularly excited about the idea of the Scotsman being given the job.
He did an excellent job in difficult circumstances for much of his Rangers tenure, but has not been a manager for around three years and, of course, has not been in charge of a Championship side before, so an appointment would surely be a gamble.
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