O'neill 4-6 Favourite For Sunderland Job

FORMER Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is the early favourite on Betfair to succeed Steve Bruce as Sunderland manager. The 59-year-old, out of working since quitting Villa over a year ago, can be backed at 4-6 to take the reins at the Stadium of Light.

The Ulsterman faces stiff competition from ex-Fulham boss Mark Hughes. At 5-2, the Welshman is by far his closest contender on the Exchange.

Less fancied for the post are 19-1 shot Rafa Benitez and Everton manager David Moyes, available at 27-1.

Betfair's James Gilbert said: "As soon as Bruce's departure was announced yesterday this became a two horse race. However, the betting suggests that with a strong track record and popularity amongst fans, O'Neill may just be the man to turn around Sunderland's fortunes."

Next Sunderland Manager

Betfair bet:

• 4-6 Martin O'Neill
• 5-2 Mark Hughes
• 19-1 Rafa Benitez
• 27-1 David Moyes
• 44-1 Carlo Ancelotti, Lee Clark
• 45-1 Steve McClaren
• 54-1 Eric Black, Bob Bradley
• 64-1 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Marco van Basten, Gus Poyet, Roberto Di Matteo, Ian Holloway, Ian Adkins
• 79-1 Sven Goran Eriksson
• 84-1 Alan Curbishley
• 109-1 Dave Jones, Roy Keane
• 119-1 Gareth Southgate
• 129-1 Stuart Pearce
• 159-1 Sam Allardyce