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Matthew Holt

From Hollywood owners to India, where Sunderland's last 10 managers are now

Following promotion back to the Championship this season, current Sunderland boss Alex Neil became the first manager to lead the side to promotion since Roy Keane did back in the 2006/07 campaign.

Many managers have since passed through the Stadium of Light, with Neil still not tied down, although talks are said to be ongoing regarding extending his stay with the Black Cats off the back of last season's success.

But just where are some of the others who have enjoyed less than fruitful spells in the north east you may ask? As we here at ChronicleLive have cast our eye over the last 10 who have taken the hot seat with the club.

READ MORE: Former Sunderland boss Simon Grayson lands new overseas managerial role

Lee Johnson

After leading the side to EFL Trophy success over Tranmere Rovers just last year, the former Bristol City boss spent just over a year with the club as the side missed out on promotion during the 20/21 season, following play-off semi final heartbreak against Lincoln City.

Boasting a 51.3% win percentage, the now 41-year-old is currently in charge of SPL side Hibernian having taken over just weeks ago in preparation for the 22/23 season.

Phil Parkinson

Taking charge of the Black Cats for only 31 games, former Bolton boss Phil Parkinson mustered just 11 wins as manager, having been in the dugout for just 11 months. He ended his reign in the north east with a less than convincing 35.5% win percentage.

Now in charge of Wrexham in the National League, the 54-year-old missed out on promotion back to the EFL this season, as the Welsh side crashed out at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Grimsby Town.

Jack Ross

After a successful spell with St Mirren, Jack Ross was appointed Sunderland manager back in May of 2018 tasked again with steering the side back into the Championship. Given what was rumoured to be the division's third biggest budget, Ross was sacked after 17 months in charge with the club sixth in League One.

Ross is currently out of work after being sacked by Johnson's current employer Hibernian in December 2021, after a run of seven defeats in nine league games. His dismissal came 10 days before the team were due to play in the League Cup final, losing 2-1 to Celtic.

Chris Coleman

A controversial figure during Netflix's fly on the wall documentary 'Sunderland 'til I die', former Wales boss Chris Coleman was also unsuccessful in his attempts to re-galvanise a broken squad that was relegated to the Championship.

Following a brief spell in China, the 51-year-old is currently in charge of Greek Super League side Atromitos.

Simon Grayson

Having endured strong spells with Leeds United and Huddersfield Town, Simon Grayson joined the club in the Championship, signing a three-year deal on Wearside in 2017. He was again sacked after just four months in charge, winning only three games.

Following the recent announcement, Grayson is set to take over as Indian Premier League side Bengaluru boss as he takes on his first overseas managerial role.

David Moyes

Overseeing the sides relegation to the Premier League for the first time in 10 years, David Moyes lasted less than a year in charge, winning just eight games as manager.

Citing the managerial stint as the "biggest disappointment" of his career, Moyes is currently with Premier League side West Ham who reached the Europa League semi-finals under his stewardship this season.

Sam Allardyce

Appointed following Dick Advocaat's sacking, former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce took the job back in October 2015, again enjoying little success at the Stadium of Light. Leaving with only a 29% win percentage, Allardyce would leave to take the England job and last only one game after a scandal regarding third party ownership was discovered.

Now 57, the former Bolton gaffer was last in charge of West Bromwich Albion, failing to keep the Baggies in the Premier League in 2021.

Dick Advocaat

Guiding Sunderland to Premier League safety back in May 2015, Dutch manager Dick Advocaat was in tears as the Black Cats remained in England's top flight. Sunderland finished the season in 16th place, two spots and three points above the relegation zone.

Leaving the club a week later, Advocaat has since enjoyed spells with the Netherlands, Iraq and Feyenoord before he now leads an advisory role with Dutch side FC Utrecht.

Gus Poyet

Signing a two-year-deal back in October 2013, Guy Poyet became the first Uruguayan to manage in the Premier League. Losing 4-0 to Swansea in his opening game as boss, the Black Cats reached the 2014 League Cup final, eventually losing 3-1 to Manchester City. Poyet also led the side to Premier League survival following a torrid season in the 201313 season.

Now currently Greece head coach, Poyet hopes to lead the Euro 2004 champions to a first World Cup since 2014 having missed out of qualification for the last two tournaments.

Paolo di Canio

The charismatic Paolo di Canio was appointed Sunderland boss back March 2013 and lasted just six months, winning 3 out of a possible 13 games in charge. A win percentage of just 23.1% overall.

The now 53-year-old has not managed since and does often appear on popular radio show TalkSport insisting how he would love to one day manage again.

Martin O'Neill

On December 2011, Irish man Martin O'Neill signed a three-year contract with the club, bring a dream come true as the Black Cats are the team he had supported as a boy. In charge for 15 months, O'Neill led the side to a respectable 13th placed finish before being dismissed in March 2013.

Last with Nottingham Forest in 2019, the 70-year-old has not yet retired and last year insisted he would still consider new offers to return to the game.

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