Sunderland legend Michael Gray has been discussing the possibility of former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri replacing David Moyes.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
Sunderland manager David Moyes
Moyes is under pressure with the Black Cats rock bottom of the Premier League and facing the very real prospect of relegation to the Championship.
To rub salt in the wound, Sunderland’s bitter rivals Newcastle look likely to replace them in the top flight as they edge ever closer to automatic promotion.
Speculation is rife Moyes will not be in charge next season.
And after Claudio Ranieri’s appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, it was put to Sunderland legend Gray that last season’s title-winning boss could replace the Scot.
But speaking on talkSPORT, Gray was not so sure, and revealed he would prefer to see Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs or fellow Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips see take over.
“It’s not the avenue that I would go down as the next Sunderland manager,” Gray told talkSPORT.
“I want to see somebody come in with a bit of freshness, somebody who is going to relate to the football club or somebody with a big name.
Former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri
“We’ve given ex-players an opportunity after they’ve come out of football, Roy Keane, I wouldn’t say no to Ryan Giggs I think he’d be great at Sunderland.
“Also Kevin Phillips, who is an absolute legend at that football club (and) Sunderland supporters would take him right now.
“(Thinking about it) would I take Claudio Ranieri? Yes I suppose I would, you can’t say no to it, a Premier League winning manager, but he wouldn’t be my first choice.”
Sunderland legend Michael Gray
Giggs was interviewed for the Swansea City job but lost out to doomed American boss Bob Bradley – since replaced by Paul Clement – after reportedly failing to impress in the interview, as The Daily Mail claimed at the time.
Legendary Sunderland goalscorer Phillips would be a popular choice, but like Giggs lacks experience.
Ranieri could be seen as damaged goods but could be just the kind of enthusiastic character the club needs to rebuild for a promotion bid next season should they be relegated.
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