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 have now also lost six games on the spin 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...
9. Michael Duff
Michael Duff has now fallen out of the betting with no odds available after being priced at 7/1 previously. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
10. Paul Heckingbottom
Instant Casino now have Paul Heckinbottom's odds at 10/1... a shift from 7/1 last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 9.1 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: Matt McNulty
11. Kim Hellberg
Hellberg has now dropped out of the betting after initially being given odds of 4/1. Photo: George Wood
12. Will Still
Instant Casino now have Will Still's odds at 7/4... a shift from 6/4 last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 36.4 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS