Next Sunderland Manager Betting: Two horse race between Mark Hughes and Martin O'Neill?

Sunderland, UK – Steve Bruce became the first managerial casualty of the season on Wednesday, after a disappointing run of form saw his Sunderland side pick up just two wins in the opening thirteen matches. Live Odds and Scores preview the favourites to take over the reigns at the Stadium of Light:

Former Aston Villa and Celtic Manager Martin O’Neill has been installed as the odds-on favourite for the job, at a best price of 8/13 at Boylesports. The Northern Irishman has enjoyed success in each of his last spells with Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa and, as a boyhood Sunderland fan, would prove a very popular appointment on Wearside. O’Neill is currently out of work, meaning no compensation fee would have to be paid and several media outlets are reporting preliminary contact between the two parties has already been established.

Mark Hughes is another name thought to be on the Sunderland hierarchy’s wish list and is available at a best-priced 2/1 for the post with William Hill. The former Manchester City and Blackburn boss unexpectedly resigned from his position at Fulham back in June, despite guiding his side to a 8th placed League finish, as he felt the Cottagers lacked ambition, an accusation that certainly cannot be levelled at the Black Cats under Ellis Short. Hughes has accumulated a wealth of Premier experience over the past few years and looks to be O'Neill most serious competition in the market.  

Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is one of the more intriguing possibilities in the market, with Bet365 quoting an industry-best 20/1 on the ‘baby-faced assassin’ filling the Sunderland hot seat. Solskjaer was incredibly successful in his first season in charge at Molde, leading his former side to their first Norwegian league table in 100 years and is already being tipped for future success at the highest level. However his lack of managerial experience may count against him, especially with proven Premier League managers like Mark Hughes and Martin O'Neill available and rumoured to be interested. 

Ex-Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, yet to return to management after a disastrous spell in charge at Inter Milan, is a 25/1 shot at Bet365. Former Chelsea and AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is also amongst the names linked to the vacancy although whether he would be interested is questionable. Ancelotti is a 33/1 chance in the market at Paddy Power.

Selected Others:
Ronald Koeman 20/1 Stan James
Gus Poyet 25/1 Victor Chandler
David Moyes 33/1 Ladbrokes
Paul Lambert 33/1 Betfred