Next Sunderland manager odds: Poyet in frame for return after Parkinson sacking

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

It’s all change again at Sunderland after the Black Cats gave Phil Parkinson the boot at the weekend following just three wins in their last nine matches across all competitions.

That torrid run of form has seen the North East side slip seven points adrift of League One leaders Hull and signalled the end of Parkinson’s 13-month tenure at the Stadium of Light.

We’ve priced up the leading candidates to take over from Parkinson – and it’s a familiar face at the top of the pile.

Gus Poyet has emerged as the early favourite to take the helm at a club he has already managed, having steered the Sunderland ship from October 2013 to March 2015.

The Uruguayan, who at the time of writing is odds-on to get the nod, experienced plenty of success during his original stint with the Black Cats.

The 53-year-old oversaw a victory against arch-rivals Newcastle in his first home match, led Sunderland to the League Cup final and handed Jose Mourinho his first-ever home league defeat in the Premier League as a Chelsea manager.

On top of that, Poyet also engineered a miraculous escape from relegation as his side picked up 13 points from a possible 15 to beat the drop in 2014.

He was given his marching orders less than a year later with Sunderland just a point outside the relegation zone, but there is still plenty of goodwill felt towards the former Chelsea and Tottenham ace on Wearside and rumours of a takeover bid from fellow Uruguayan Juan Sartori will only strengthen his hand.

He’s a proven manager at League One level too, having steered Brighton to the title ahead of Southampton back in 2011, and could now be tasked with repeating the feat of promotion from the third tier.

Former Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley is second favourite to take the job. with the 42-year-old a free agent after being sacked by the Terriers in the summer.

Priced at 3/1, Cowley – most likely accompanied by his brother Nicky – would bring a fresh approach to a club that has stagnated in League One after a dramatic tumble down the divisions during the past few years.

Ex-Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook is well-backed at 10/3, having almost performed a miracle to keep the Latics in the Championship last season despite a 12-point deduction.

Meanwhile, former Bristol City manager Lee Johnson is 6/1 to be offered the role while Nigel Pearson – currently 14/1 after being sacked by Watford last season – would add some much-needed fear factor in the dressing room.

Daniel Stendel, most recently manager of Hearts, completes the top six most likely names while Nigel Adkins and Jonathan Woodgate are also similarly priced at 14/1.

Finally, we’ve thrown club legend Kevin Phillips (33/1), Sunderland stalwart John O’Shea (40/1) and a trio of former Stadium of Light bosses into the mix – Sam Allardyce, Roy Keane (both 33/1) and Martin O’Neill (40/1).

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change

Next Sunderland manager favourites

Gus Poyet
Danny Cowley
Paul Cook
Lee Johnson
Nigel Pearson
Daniel Stendel

Read More

• Mark Clattenburg: My worst mistakes in football – Wickham, Mendes Ronaldo
• Alan Pardew in Bulgaria: What the f*ck is going on?!
• Get the latest football tips on all the big matches on Paddy Power News

THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW