Sunderland's search for a new manager is under way after Jack Ross was sacked by the Black Cats.
Despite the Wearsiders sitting in sixth place in League One, owner Stewart Donald has moved quickly with many fans losing faith in Ross following a disappointing draw at Bolton and the 2-0 defeat to Lincoln City.
Former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel has been installed as favourite to replace Ross by the bookmakers, with ex-Sunderland manager Roy Keane also in the running with the bookies.
Here, Graeme Bell profiles some of the leading candidates.
Daniel Stendel
The German manager parted company with Barnsley having not picked up a win since the opening day against Fulham. Stendel’s final game in charge of Barnsley was a 5-1 defeat at Preston North End. Stendel has a win ratio of 48%.
Roy Keane
The former Sunderland manager left his role as assistant manager at Nottingham Forest in June this year. Keane previously assisted at Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland. Keane managed Sunderland from August 2006 to December 2008.
Phil Parkinson
Parkinson resigned from troubled Bolton Wanderers in August, he joined the club in 2016 and oversaw promotion from League One during his first season in charge. Parkinson has also had spells with Bradford City, Charlton Athletic, Colchester United and Hull City.
Gary Rowett
Rowett was last seen at the Britannia Stadium with Stoke City, his contract was terminated in January this year. He has also managed Birmingham City and Burton Albion.
Mick Harford
Currently the chief recruitment officer at Luton Town, Harford recently managed Luton from January through the end of last season after being placed in temporary charge.
Kevin Phillips
Following his retirement Phillips was offered a coaching role with Leicester City where he finished his playing career. He has since gone on to have a similar role with Derby County and Stoke City.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Hasselbaink was last seen managing Northampton Town in 2018, the former Chelsea forward has also had spells with Queens Park Rangers, Burton Albion and Royal Antwerp.
Neil Harris
Harris recently stepped down as manager of Millwall after becoming manager in 2015.
Chris Hughton
Hughton, a former Newcastle United manager was last seen managing Brighton. He was sacked in the summer after 215 games in charge of the Seagulls. Hughton has also had spells with Birmingham City and Norwich City.
