Shock two new favourites for Sunderland manager's job

Club captain John O'Shea is the new favourite with bookmakers to replace Simon Grayson, who was sacked on Tuesday night.

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O'Shea has recently completed his A Licence coaching badge and is keen on a career in management after his playing days have finished.

His odds were slashed yesterday and he is 8/11 favourite with many bookies, including Sky Bet, Ladbrokes and Coral.

However, Sunderland are understood to prefer an experienced manager to take charge, meaning the role may come too soon for the 35-year-old, though his standing within the club is high.

The other surprise mover is Phil Brown, who confessed this week that managing Sunderland would be his 'dream job'.

The boyhood Sunderland fan has seen his odds cut to 5/2 with Sky Bet, having been 28/1 on Wednesday, making him second favourite.

The South Shields-born 58-year-old is managing Southend in League One, but is out of contract in the summer.

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