Sunday 4 October 2015 16:43, UK
Sam Allardyce is Sky Bet's early odds-on favourite to become the next Sunderland boss following Dick Advocaat's departure.
The former Black Cats defender, who has been taking a break since leaving his post at West Ham at the end of last season, reportedly figures highly on an early list of candidates being drawn up by the club's chairman Ellis Short after Sunday's news confirmed Advocaat's unsurprising exit.
Sunderland are also believed to be considering up-and-coming managers, as they did when they appointed Paolo Di Canio and his successor Gus Poyet, so Burnley's Sean Dyche (2/1) also features prominently in the betting.
Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is available and he's a 6/1 shot while Michael Laudrup (12/1), Murat Yakin (12/1) and Eddie Howe (16/1) are other names in the betting frame.
However, Allardyce's availability, proven track record and connections with the club having played for them in the early 80s, make him an attractive proposition.
The 60-year-old, who had a brief and ill-fated spell as manager of North East rivals Newcastle earlier in his career, was linked with the job during the summer after Advocaat had rejected Short's initial advances, but he admitted at the time that he was planning to take an extended break from football.
Only time will tell if the vacancy at the Stadium of Light is the right one for Allardyce, but what is certain is that it is a big one.
We look at some of the main contenders - and some outsiders - who could fill the vacancy left by Advocaat.
SAM ALLARDYCE
One of the safest pairs of hands around, the hugely experienced Allardyce, a former Sunderland defender, is available after his four-year spell at West Ham drew to a close at the end of last season. His proven track record with Bolton, Blackburn and the Hammers - if not Newcastle - make him a leading contender.
SEAN DYCHE
Dyche's blend of positivity, realism and entertaining football during Burnley's ultimately unsuccessful bid to secure their Barclays Premier League status last season won him plenty of plaudits. He seems destined for bigger things, but his loyalty to the Clarets could prove an obstacle.
NIGEL PEARSON
Pearson performed miracles as Leicester won seven of their final nine games to secure their top-flight status at the end of last season. He is available after leaving the King Power Stadium during the summer.
KARL ROBINSON
Robinson celebrated five years at the MK Dons helm in May and guided the club into the Sky Bet Championship last season as runners-up to Bristol City after twice missing out in the play-offs. At just 35, he is one of the rising stars of the managerial game.
JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK
Former Leeds, Chelsea and Middlesbrough striker Hasselbaink led Burton to the League Two title last season after only taking over the club in November, and the promoted club currently top League One after 11 games. Like Di Canio and Poyet, he was a fine player and has enjoyed an encouraging start to his managerial career, but also like them, he is short on experience.
WALTER MAZZARRI
Former Inter Milan boss Mazzarri has been linked with Sunderland, as well as Liverpool, in recent days, and is reportedly learning English. However, the Black Cats had their fingers burnt the last time they pointed an Italian, albeit one without Mazzarri's curriculum vitae.
KEVIN PHILLIPS
A man who would need no introduction to fans who revered him for his goalscoring exploits in the red and white shirt, Phillips has embarked on a career in coaching since hanging up his boots. However, he is another whose lack of experience may count against him.
