Sunderland will replace Sam Allardyce 'at the earliest opportunity'

Sunderland say they will act 'quickly and decisively' in their search for a new manager following the departure of newly appointed England boss Sam Allardyce.

Hired last October after Sunderland made a dismal start to the Premier League season, Allardyce led a revival at the Stadium of Light and managed to keep the club in the top flight.

However, it emerged on Wednesday that the experienced boss was the FA's preferred choice to try and restore England's fortunes following their Euro 2016 disappointment.

What they say about Allardyce

Those close to Sam Allardyce describe a manager with a passion for nutrition, psychology and data

The FA subsequently agreed a compensation package with Sunderland and confirmed the appointment of Allardyce on Friday afternoon.

And the Black Cats have released a statement which read: "Sunderland AFC confirms the departure of Sam Allardyce, who takes up the position of England manager with immediate effect.

"The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC now is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club's new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity."

Sunderland contenders

We look at possible replacements for Sam Allardyce

Former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes has been out of work since he was sacked by Real Sociedad last November and has been strongly linked with the post.

And, as of late-afternoon Friday, Moyes was a red-hot 1/8 favourite with Sky Bet to be the next permanent Sunderland manager.

Steve Bruce, who lost out to Allardyce for the England role, left his post at Hull on Friday and is next in the betting at 9/2.