Report: Sunderland identify top 3 targets for vacant manager’s job

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Barnsley and Northern Ireland bosses are joined by Rangers legend on Sunderland’s three-man shortlist for their vacant manager’s job.

David Moyes sits next to Sunderland Chief Executive Martin Bain during the pre-season friendly match against Rotherham United.

Sunderland have drawn up a three-man shortlist for the vacant manager’s position, reports the Chronicle, and now know who their preferred choice for the job will be.

An appointment will not be made before the visit of Millwall in the Championship on Saturday (November 18), however, and no official approach has been made for any of the candidates.

Michael O’Neill, manager of Northern Ireland, reacts during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off Second Leg against Switzerland.

The top choice is now Michael O’Neill, whose future as Northern Ireland boss is in doubt following the nation’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup following a playoff exit to Switzerland.

Scotland have also made an approach for O’Neill, who lives in Edinburgh, while Rangers are considering the 48 year old as a replacement for the recently sacked Pedro Caixinha as well.

Paul Heckingbottom is next on the list, with the Barnsley head coach having been widely praised for his management at Oakwell since taking charge in 2016; guiding them to promotion from League One and Football League Trophy victory that season, before finishing ninth in his first term in the second tier of English football.

Paul Heckingbottom, manager of Barnsley, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match against Sheffield United.

Heckingbottom has close links to the Tykes having grown up in the town, but the Black Cats are hoping that if they fail in their pursuit of O’Neill then the lure of working with a bigger budget and on a much higher wage will tempt the 40 year old.

Finally, last on the shortlist is Ally McCoist, who is a friend of chief executive at the Stadium of Light, Martin Bain, but has not been in the dugout since leaving Rangers in 2015.