David O'Leary, FOR: Young manager unlucky to lose his job at Leeds.

AGAINST: Controversial figure with outspoken views.

George Graham

FOR:Has a proven track record in the Premiership.

AGAINST: Boring style of play.

Bryan Robson

FOR: Is sure to have learnt from his mistakes at Boro.

AGAINST: A close friend of Reid's and managed Sunderland's North-East rivals.

Peter Taylor

FOR: Regarded as one of the finest coaches in England.

AGAINST: Failed to turn Leicester into a top-flight force.

Kenny Dalglish

FOR: Has guided both Blackburn and Liverpool to glory.

AGAINST: An ex-Newcastle United manager.

Mick McCarthy

FOR: Succeeded in turning the Republic of Ireland into a geniune World Cup force in the face of real adversity.

AGAINST: Never managed in the top-flight.

Niall Quinn

FOR: Desperate for success at Sunderland.

AGAINST: Yet to manage any side, never mind a Premiership outfit.

Howard Wilkinson

FOR: There's not much he doesn't know about managing a football side. AGAINST: An old school boss with an old school style to management.

Alan Curbishley

FOR: Done a tremendous job with Charlton on a tight budget.

AGAINST: Is unlikely to move to the North-East.

George Burley

FOR: A highly-rated boss who guided Ipswich to European football.

AGAINST: Is currently under pressure from fans at Portman Road for their bad start to the season.

David Platt

FOR: Tipped as a future England boss. AGAINST: Already failed in charge at Nottingham Forest and Sampdoria.

John Gregory

FOR: A bright young manager with plenty of ambition.

AGAINST: Struggling this season with Derby and is not afraid to air his views.

Chris Turner

FOR: Done a superb job for Hartlepool in guiding them to three play-offs and top spot in the Third Division. Former Sunderland keeper.

AGAINST: A gamble. And after recent traumas would Bob Murray take a risk?

ODDS: David O'Leary 2-1;George Graham 3-1; Bryan Robson 6-1; Peter Taylor 10-1; Kenny Dalglish 16-1; Mick McCarthy 16-1; Niall Quinn 20-1; Howard Wilkinson 20-1; Alan Curbishley 20-1; Brian Kidd 20-1; George Burley 22-1; David Platt 25-1; Harry Redknapp 33-1; Walter Smith 33-1; Ruud Gullit 40-1; John Gregory 40-1; Ron Atkinson 40-1; Roy Evans 50-1; Joe Kinnear 66-1; Terry Yorath 80-1

Not quoted: Chris Turner

* Odds courtesy of Paddy Power