If the Sunderland board thought that it was going to be an easy process when it came to appointing a new manager, it seems that they were very much mistaken.
Dick Advocaat decided to call it quits at the weekend and since then a number of managers have been linked with the post, but if reports are to be believed, those that have been approached are proving to be tough to convince.
With the Black Cats believed to be keen to have new man in position by the end of the international break, Sports Mole has taken a look at five bosses that are said to be in contention.
1. Sam Allardyce
© Getty Images
A poll recently carried out by a local newspaper showed that Allardyce was the overwhelming favourite among the Sunderland faithful. The 60-year-old, who is available after leaving West Ham United in the summer, has a proven track record of keeping teams afloat in the Premier League from his stints with Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and the Hammers.
He has also managed rivals Newcastle United, but given the predicament that Sunderland find themselves in, it's something that they cannot afford to dwell on.
2. Nigel Pearson
© Getty Images
Pearson performed a miracle to keep Leicester City in the Premier League last term, yet he never seemed to be particularly popular among the club's owners, who sacked him during the summer.
In fairness, the 52-year-old didn't help himself with a string of misdemeanors both during games and while speaking to reporters during press conferences. His teams tend to be well organised units, which is something Sunderland are badly lacking at present.
3. Bob Bradley
© Getty Images
The American's name has come somewhat out of left-field in recent days. At the age of 57, he has only just taken his first managerial job in European football with Norwegian outfit Staebek.
Prior to that, Bradley has been at the helm of a host of American clubs and also the USA and Egyptian national sides. Despite all that experience, his appointment would be a gamble by Sunderland, who are not really in a position to take such a risk.
4. Sean Dyche
© Getty Images
He may have been unable to keep Burnley in the Premier League last term, but the performances, work-rate and endeavour that the Clarets produced for much of the campaign won their manager plenty of plaudits.
It's widely accepted that Dyche will one day return to the top flight, whether it be with Burnley or another club. However, the 44-year-old is known to be extremely loyal to his current employers, so it could be tough to entice him away from Turf Moor.
5. Walter Mazzarri
© Getty Images
Following their experiences with Paolo Di Canio in charge, Sunderland fans could be forgiven for being wary of another Italian appointment. But, where Di Canio and his fellow countryman Mazzarri differ greatly is their managerial CVs, with the latter having managed some big clubs, including Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan.
Having turned 54 at the beginning of the month, recent reports have suggested that the Tuscany-born manager is keen to try his luck in the Premier League. Rumour has it that he has been learning English for a little while now, which is an essential attribute.
Liam Apicella
