Sportgus poyetGianfranco ZolaRoberto Di Matteo

Paolo Di Canio Sacked: 7 Contenders To Become New Sunderland Boss

7 Contenders To Become New Sunderland Boss
The Huffington Post UK

It is expected Sunderland will have replaced Paolo di Canio before the weekend, but early murmurs suggest a couple of the candidates aren't wholly convinced by the job on offer.

Mackems chairman Ellis Short has now sacked three managers in less than two years and Sunderland have one point after five Premier League games. The squad overhaul Di Canio oversaw has predictably backfired and his successor will be hiring a new batch of dead wood.

Here are seven candidates who could replace the Italian...

Sunderland contenders
Neil Lennon, Celtic(01 of07)
Open Image Modal
There is little more to achieve in Scotland for Lennon, for Celtic will cruise to another SPL title in Rangers' top flight absence and they will do well just to win a Champions League game, let alone qualify for the last 16 like they did last year (credit:Getty Images)
Gianfranco Zola, Watford(02 of07)
Open Image Modal
Missed out on promotion to the Premier League in last season's Play-off final, Watford are fifth in the Championship and Zola has benefitted from the step down after West Ham sacked him in 2010 (credit:Getty Images)
Gus Poyet, unattached(03 of07)
Open Image Modal
The reason, or reasons, behind his departure from Brighton is still unclear but Poyet appears to be highly regarded after a distinguished stint on the south coast. He's certainly better suited to managing than punditry (credit:Getty Images)
Roberto di Matteo, unattached(04 of07)
Open Image Modal
An FA Cup and Champions League winner, Di Matteo never fully convinced Roman Abramovich but has managerial merits away from Stamford Bridge.Took West Brom back to the Premier League but, like Di Canio, boasts an ego which could rub players the wrong way (credit:Getty Images)
Paul Ince, Blackpool(05 of07)
Open Image Modal
Ince's tenure at Blackburn in 2008 was a disaster and it got little better back at MK Dons and Notts County but he has restored his reputation at Blackpool.Appointed in February, the Tangerines are fourth in the Championship, though given the chaotic nature of that league it is arguably not a true reflection of Ince's managerial pedigree (credit:Getty Images)
Steve McClaren, QPR(06 of07)
Open Image Modal
Ostracised by English football, McClaren joined Harry Redknapp's backroom staff at QPR in July and the Rs are top of the Championship, having won six and losing none of their opening eight games.His Middlesbrough past would make him an unpopular choice, but he's a better coach than he is given credit for and is experienced (credit:Getty Images)
Tony Pulis, unattached(07 of07)
Open Image Modal
With Sam Allardyce at West Ham, many seem to regard Pulis as the ideal man to perform a rescue act even at this early juncture.Brought Stoke up to the Premier League in 2008 and the Potters have remained there ever since.Not exactly a man fans are clamouring for but with concerns at the Stadium of Light stemming from a lack of Britishness within Sunderland's side, Pulis could address the identity crisis (credit:Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip