Sunderland confirmed that Mike Dodds has been appointed interim head coach until the end of the season after Michael Beale left his post after just 63 days and 12 games at the helm. Back-to-back defeats have seen the club drop off the play-off pace and Beale has struggled to win over sceptical supporters.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said he was 'disappointed' that Beale was leaving but that it was in the best interests of the club. He added that the club took 'full accountability' for what had happened.
Sunderland are without a win in seven league games and have slipped down the table significantly over recent weeks. But who are the bookies saying could take the job after Dodds’ stint? Here, we take a look. Odds courtesy of Instant Casino...
1. Steven Gerrard
Instant Casino now have Steven Gerrard's odds at 14/1... the same price as last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 6.7 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: Yasser Bakhsh
2. Roy Keane
Instant Casino now have Roy Keane's odds at 11/10... the same price as last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 47.6 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: Naomi Baker
3. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Instant Casino have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer priced at 5/1 to replace Michael Beale in the summer with a probability of 16.7 per cent. This is a shift from 4/1 last week. Photo: Matt McNulty
4. Alex Neil
Instant Casino now have Alex Neil's odds at 7/1... a shift from 11/2 last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 12.5 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: Harry Trump