Who is in the running to replace David Moyes as Sunderland boss?


KEVIN PHILLIPS (7-2)

The Northern Echo: HEADING IN? Kevin Phillips is linked with being part of the new coaching staff at Wanderers

The former Sunderland striker remains a Wearside legend thanks to the goalscoring exploits that earned him Europe’s Golden Boot in 2000. His playing career ended in 2014, and he has subsequently worked in a coaching capacity at Leicester and Derby. He lacks any managerial experience, but his relationship with Nigel Pearson means they could conceivably work together.


AITOR KARANKA (6-1)

The Northern Echo:

Proven in the Championship after guiding Middlesbrough to promotion, the Spaniard is available after leaving the Riverside in March. He is credited with transforming Boro’s fortunes in the second tier, and is keen to remain in the North of England with his family settled in North Yorkshire. He has been linked with a possible move to Wolves – would he be interested in Sunderland if money was tight?


GARRY MONK (8-1)

The Northern Echo:

The Leeds boss is already understood to be on Middlesbrough’s wanted list – it would be a surprise if he was not also of interest to Sunderland. He almost guided Leeds into the play-offs this season, and has done well in extremely difficult circumstances at Elland Road. With Leeds in the throes of a potential takeover, he has refused to sign a new contract with his current employers.


NIGEL PEARSON (8-1)

The Northern Echo:

Boasts a large amount of experience thanks to his work with Leicester, Hull and Derby, and might be the kind of powerful personality that is needed to whip things into shape on Wearside. He is currently out of work after leaving Derby last October, and appears ready to return to management. He would bring considerable baggage though, with his spells at Leicester and Derby both ending under a cloud.


KEVIN BALL (10-1)

The Northern Echo: MANAGER NEEDED: Kevin Ball, pictured in the dug-out last Sunday, says Sunderland need to appoint their new manager soon

The current Sunderland coach has stepped into the breach on two separate occasions, performing caretaker duties in both 2006 and 2013. He will be the cheapest option given he is already on the staff, and his status as a fans’ favourite from his playing days means he would be given time to turn things around. His caretaker spells did not go well though, and he would not be the most inspiring of choices.


ALAN PARDEW (12-1)

The Northern Echo:

Surely it would be unthinkable to appoint a former Newcastle United boss? Perhaps not, although a majority of Sunderland fans would be horrified by the thought of Pardew filling the managerial hot seat at the Stadium of Light. He is available though, and guided the Magpies to a European spot during his time at St James’.