Monday 16 March 2015 21:07, UK
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas fears that Sunderland may struggle to attract a ‘big name’ to replace Gus Poyet, with the club just a point clear of relegation with nine games remaining.
Dick Advocaat was installed as Sky Bet’s favourite to become the next Black Cats boss following Poyet’s sacking, with West Ham’s Sam Allardyce considered next in line.
However, Nicholas, who covered their 4-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Soccer Saturday, believes that they are more likely to turn to one of their former players to lead their battle against the drop.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m quite surprised with Advocaat being thrown into the mix and I think they’ve got to look more short-term, perhaps ask Paul Bracewell or Kevin Ball whether they will come in and help them out.
“I can’t see too many candidates out there and it might be a case where they appoint somebody on an interim basis, secure their survival and then they can attract one of the bigger names.
“There are so many managers who want to work in the Premier League but there has been so many comings and goings at the club.
“I don’t think Harry Redknapp would be interested and I also can’t see Michael Laudrup taking it right now.
“I’m a massive Glenn Hoddle fan, with the way he impresses his style on teams, but I’m not sure the timing is particularly right for him. He’d need more time.
“I suppose they could go after Sam Allardyce and make him an offer but I think he’d want to wait until the end of the season. Sunderland’s next game is against West Ham and Sam will be thinking to himself ‘Why would I put myself through this?’.
West Ham host Sunderland live on Sky Sports 1HD at 5.30pm on Saturday.
