Who should replace Roy Keane at Sunderland?

Latest betting: Allardyce favourite for Sunderland job

Ben Smith

And so the Roy Keane era has come to a typically volatile end but, as the dust settles, the question on everyone's lips is what now for Sunderland? Who can pick up the pieces of his broken club and instil the kind of self-belief the Black Cats are craving?

For many supporters Sam Allardyce is the obvious choice to take over at the Stadium of Light. The former Newcastle manager been out of management since his acrimonious departure from St James' Park in January and, having played for Sunderland with distinction, has exactly the kind of passion and desire the fans would want to see.

However, the words attractive football and Allardyce have never gone hand in hand, so who else is there. Alan Curbishley has spoken of his desire to return to management in the Premier League, while Gordon Strachan (5-1) and Slaven Bilic are also prominent in the market.  Niall Quinn, the club chairman, is even in the hunt at 100-1.

But it's over to you, who do you want to see as the next manager of Sunderland? Of course, there's always Kevin Keegan...

Comments

[Malcolm Brown]

It would be Martin O'Neil for me.
Irish connection, Sunderland supporter,
proven track record with bags of European experience. Perfect.

[James]

Let's hope if Big Sam is given the nod, he gets a little more time than he was given at Newcastle.

[Joe]

It's surely only a matter of time before Gerard Houllier's name is in the frame. He's been linked to pretty every Premiership top job going.

[Mike]

Crazy as this might seem, I say bring in the stoic (and dour) Avram Grant. In the face of impossible odds, he turned out to be success story, and most certainly a credit to football.

Whoever it is, Roy should be remembered for having a fantastic job over the past three years. He restored a great deal of pride and self belief in the supporters and the club.

[James]

Wat about Avram Grant? He managed a broken Chelsea to second in the premiship and champions league. It would be brilliant to see what he could do behind the black cats.

[Dave Slack]

Sam's the man for the Black Cats. At least the Players, Staff and Supporters will know exactly were they are with Sam. He wears his heart on his sleeve and although he couldn't be judged to be black and white any more he wouldn't be dark like evil Roy!