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...
13. Steve Cooper
Instant Casino now have Steve Cooper's odds at 3/1... a shift from 5/1 last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 25 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: Michael Regan
14. Mike Dodds
Instant Casino now have Mike Dodds' odds at 33/1... a shift from 25/1 last week. The outlet also says that he has a probability of 2.9 per cent in terms of taking the job permanently after the dismissal of Michael Beale. Photo: Stu Forster