Jimmy Sinclair helps Martin Bain in search for new Sunderland manager

Chief executive Bain has drafted in the help of Sinclair as he works his way through a shortlist of candidates to replace Simon Grayson.

Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka and Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom have been strongly linked with the vacancy and, while there has been no official approach for the pair, they remain the bookies’ favourites.

Sinclair, who was brought in as academy director in February, has been assisting Bain as the chief executive prepares to make the most important decision of his 16 months at the club.

The pair go back more than a decade together, after Bain hired 59-year-old Sinclair at Rangers in a similar role.

It’s now almost two weeks since Grayson was sacked just minutes after the 3-3 Championship draw at home to Bolton Wanderers, but Bain is determined not to rush into an appointment despite the club’s perilous position at the bottom of the table.

The Black Cats took their time in the summer in their hunt for David Moyes’ replacement.

Then, with an appointment also delayed while owner Ellis Short was in takeover talks with a German consortium, Sunderland were managerless for 38 days before Grayson was handed the reins.

Robbie Stockdale and Billy McKinlay – put in caretaker charge for the 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on November 5 – will continue preparing the team for Saturday’s game against Millwall at the Stadium of Light, though Sunderland hope to have a new manager in place before that fixture.

It won’t be former Juventus hardman Paolo Montero, though.

Montero, who has been head coach at Argentinian side Rosario Central, emerged as a left-field candidate last week.

However, the Echo understands that he is not on Sunderland’s shortlist.