IF Sam Allardyce has done enough to persuade the Football Association that he finally deserves a crack at the England job after years of waiting, Sunderland will be looking for a seventh manager in five years.
But the Black Cats, who fans had hoped would enjoy a productive first summer under him, can’t afford to waste any time so are already weighing up their options over fears they will lose a man seemingly a perfect fit at the Stadium of Light.
It will not be an easy task for Sunderland chairman Ellis Short, knowing just how quickly and successfully Allardyce has settled into the role on Wearside, and it will be a case of what direction he wants to take the club in again, having pinned so much faith in the 61-year-old’s methods.
Chief Football Writer Paul Fraser looks at the early candidates to replace Allardyce, should he leave for the England job in the coming days.
DAVID MOYES
Strengths: Would bring plenty experience and a calmness to the role if he was appointed and is widely renowned for his coaching methods after spells with Preston, Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad. He is a free agent.
Weaknesses: Has had his reputation dented somewhat after unsuccessful spells in charge at Old Trafford and Sociedad, so question marks over whether he can reproduce the work he did at Everton.
Odds: 5/2
SEAN DYCHE
Strengths: Is a manager keen to implement a plan and change the ethos of a club from top to bottom, in a similar manner to that which Allardyce has done albeit he is younger. Has led Burnley to promotion twice and has instilled a great team spirit.
Weaknesses: There remains doubts about how well he can do in the Premier League after suffering relegation in the past, while he only signed a new contract in February so would arrive at a cost; he may prefer to stay at Turf Moor.
Odds: 7/2
JURGEN KLINSMANN
Strengths: Well liked in England because of his time at Tottenham in the 90s and his reputation has increased since leaving Bayern Munich in 2009 after leading USA to the last four of the Copa America and the second round of the World Cup.
Weaknesses: The German has not even had one full season in club management having lost his job at Bayern with five games to go. It would be a big challenge for him to build on Allardyce’s work in the Premier League.
Odds: 6/1
FRANK DE BOER
Strengths: He is desperate for a crack at the Premier League so would not take much persuading. He had six years in charge of Ajax and won the Eredivisie four times. Is a free agent, despite being linked with numerous Premier League jobs.
Weaknesses: He has never managed in the Premier League before and he would not be looking to play the same sort of football served up by Sam Allardyce, so he may have to overhaul the squad to implement his style.
Odds: 16/1
CHRIS COLEMAN
Strengths: The former Fulham boss’ stock has never been higher after leading Wales to the semi-finals of the Euros and he does harbor hopes of managing at club level again, so could be persuaded by a top-flight club. A likeable coach who is renowned for building great team spirits.
Weaknesses: He is interested in managing abroad one day, so may not be attracted by managing in the North-East. He also has two years to run on his Wales contract and has hinted he would like to lead his country to the World Cup.
Odds: 20/1
Selected other prices: Nigel Pearson 4/1; Steve McClaren 8/1; Roberto Martinez 12/1; Ryan Giggs 16/1; Gary Rowett 20/1; Bob Bradley 25/1; Roy Keane 33/1.
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