Former Sunderland stars Victor Anichebe and David Meyler have given their views on who should succeed Phil Parkinson as the new Black Cats boss.
A club statement on Sunday confirmed the Black Cats had 'parted company' with Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking temporary charge for Tuesday's clash with Burton Albion.
The former Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers boss spent 13 months at the Stadium of Light, and leaves with Sunderland five points off the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand.
Parkinson's position had come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks following a mixed start to the season, and the 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town proved to be the final straw with the club's hierarchy.
Inevitably talk is now focused upon who will be appointed as the 52-year-old's replacement, with former boss Gus Poyet and Paul Cook considered the early favourites by bookmakers.
However, former striker Anichebe - who spent a single season at Sunderland after signing in the summer of 2016 - believes the club should target a move for former Watford boss Nigel Pearson.
Speaking on Instagram, Anichebe said: “Finally! Go and get Nigel Pearson and stick with him.”
In contrast, former Republic of Ireland international Meyler believes the club should gamble on his international colleague John O'Shea.
The former Manchester United defender spent seven years at Sunderland, and is now working as a first-team coach at Reading following his retirement last year.
In response to Anichebe, Meyler added: “Step forward John O’Shea.”
