Sunderland’s imminent takeover needs to be finalised before a new manager can be put into place for the Black Cats season in League One, and according to bookmaker Sky Bet, there’s no shortage in ‘high-calibre’ candidates being linked to the managerial hot-seat. What Are The Odds looks at the next Sunderland manager odds for a season where promotion back to the Championship will be expected.
The favourite to succeed the recently sacked Chris Coleman is Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. United got promoted last season from League One under Wilder, and were challenging amongst the playoffs for most of this season, ultimately finishing 10th and six points behind Derby County in sixth. However, Wilder’s stock is on the rise and has been linked with the Swansea job in recent days - so Sunderland will do well to tempt him to drop down a league. Odds of 1/4 (1.25) are on-offer making him the firm favourite to be the next Sunderland manager.
Michael Appleton is next in the running according to the bookmaker with odds of 5/1 (6.00) - a big difference from Wilder which suggests it’s only Wilder that the club really want. However, Appleton impressed in League One and League Two as Oxford manager, and later had an unbeaten, winning record during a stint at caretaker boss with Premier League Leicester City before the appointment of Claude Puel.
What about the sentimental option? Kevin Phillips is a Sunderland legend and is backed at a lengthy 12/1 (13.0) to go from former star striker to manager of the club. Currently on the coaching staff at Derby County, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the jump to pick his former club back up from the position they find themselves in and recently admitted relegation has left him heartbroken.
Phillips was quoted in the Chronicle saying; “To see them go through another one down into League One it breaks your heart.”
What Are The Odds will keep tabs on the market movement for the next Sunderland manager odds and update accordingly nearer to the club takeover being confirmed.
Probability of next Sunderland manager
| Next Manager | Next Sunderland Manager Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Wilder | 1/4 | 80.00% | |
| Michael Appleton | 5/1 | 16.67% | |
| Jaap Stam | 12/1 | 7.69% | |
| Mick McCarthy | 12/1 | 7.69% | |
| Kevin Phillips | 14/1 | 6.67% | |
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