Sunderland sacked manager Simon Grayson last week.
Sunderland’s miserable form saw them draw 3-3 with Bolton Wanderers last week – and that proved to be Simon Grayson’s final game in charge.
The Black Cats’ shambolic defending and crippling home form was on show again against Bolton, and just five minutes after the final whistle at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland announced the sacking of manager Grayson, just four months after prising him away from Preston North End.
Grayson’s league record for Sunderland ends with one win in 15 games and 30 goals conceded, and whilst his reign barely got started, most fans feel that it was the right decision.
Caretakers Robbie Stockdale and Billy McKinlay oversaw Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at rivals Middlesbrough, and it seems unlikely that the duo will end up in charge on a full-time basis, with a host of managers already linked with the post.
Bookmakers have been offering odds on Grayson’s successor as Sunderland chase yet another new manager – and here are some of the main names in the frame tonight with Sky Bet.
Aitor Karanka: 13/8
Former Middlesbrough boss Karanka has been out of work since losing his job at the Riverside Stadium back in March, and the Spaniard may be waiting for the right opportunity to return. Having won promotion with Middlesbrough in 2016, Karanka has experience of getting out of the Championship, whilst he’s certainly familiar with the North East from his time with Boro. At 13/8, Karanka is back in as the favourite tonight.
Nathan Jones: 7/2
A surprise name in the frame is Luton Town boss Jones, who has won 49% of his games since taking the job at Kenilworth Road in January 2016. The Welshman, 44, is one of the Football League’s most exciting young managers, and whilst he is attempting to lead the Hatters to promotion from League Two, he could be tempted to the Stadium of Light. Now 7/2 for the job, Jones is a major contender to replace Grayson.
Ally McCoist: 5/1
Former Sunderland striker McCoist has recently emerged as a major candidate for the job, especially given his links to Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain having worked together at Rangers. McCoist has been out of management since leaving Rangers in December 2014, but having hit nine goals in 65 games for the Black Cats, a return to Wearside could be on the cards, with the Scot now 5/1 for the job tonight.
Phil Brown: 6/1
A lifelong Sunderland fan, Southend United boss Brown has recently admitted that the Sunderland post is something of a dream job for him. The former Hull City and Preston North End boss has done a solid job with the Shrimpers, and could be lined up for a return to the second tier. At 6/1, Brown – who helped Hull win promotion from the Championship in 2008 – is a name to keep an eye on for Sunderland fans.
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