Ousted West Ham boss favourite to take Sunderland post
Published:
He’s barely had time to gather his possessions at the Boleyn Ground, but shunted West Ham manager Sam Allardyce won’t have too much time to put his feet up according to Ladbrokes.
The bookmakers have installed Allardyce as the firm 5/4 favourite to fill the vacancy left by interim manager Dick Advocaat at Sunderland, with the Dutchman announcing his decision to retire from club management.
Allardyce is one of three British managers who find themselves at the sharp end of the market, which includes recently-sacked Derby boss Steve McClaren and Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant from Real Madrid, Paul Clement, at 6s.
Having endured another fraught season where the spectre of relegation loomed until the final few weeks yet again, the appeal of Allardyce to Sunderland’s board is obvious.
The Dudley native is dripping with managerial experience at the highest level over spells at Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham.
As well as getting the Irons promoted from the Championship in 2012, he then carved them a foothold back in the big time over the past three seasons, with 10th, 13th and 12th-place finishes.
This kind of stability is a far cry from what Sunderland have been used to in previous seasons.
Of course, it hasn’t always been easy for ‘Big Sam’ as his ill-fated 6-month stint at St James’ Park during the 2007/08 campaign shows.
However, there is a general consensus that Alladyce was mistreated by fans on Tyneside, while his sacking during his second season with Blackburn, when Rovers were 13th, is still largely inexplicable.
Criticisms over the direct style of his sides have also followed him around, perhaps harshly, but a chance to prove himself in the north-east again may be just what he needs to silence the naysayers.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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