The dark cloud that looms of the Stadium of Light got even darker this weekend, as Sunderland now find themselves without a manager, following Dick Advocaat's choice to walk away from the crisis club.
With the international break now upon us, it seems like it was the perfect timing for a mid-season walk out, to allow the club time to bring in his replacement and the rumours have already begun to circulate over who it will be.
One man currently available is Sam Allardyce, having been out of a job since departing from West Ham United, it would seem like he could be the perfect fit to attempt to save Sunderland, with plenty of experience and knowledge behind him, the club would struggle to do better.
Why hire Allardyce?
Of course, 'Big Sam' is not the only potential candidate, and it is not a decision that the Sunderland board can afford to rush, but it is also one that they can not hesitate on for too long either.
Why Allardyce? Well his resume speaks for itself, whether it's his time spent at Bolton Wanderers or more recently at West Ham, he has had successful spells wherever he has been, and some success is exactly what Sunderland need right now.
Plus, Allardyce actually played for the club for a season, making a total of 25 appearance during his year spell, and that connection he had with the club, might be the reason for his return.
More importantly, Premier League experience and knowledge could be the main reason to why Allardyce should be the club's number one target - he knows the league inside out, having spent over ten years working in the league as a manager.
One of Advocaat's main problems appeared to be his inability to adapt to the Premier League's fast paced style of play, and the need to have a strong defensive unit, something the club have been exposed upon countless times already this campaign.
Whether or not Allardyce can save Sunderland from the drop can not be guaranteed, but Black Cat's fans will be pleased to note, no team managed by him have ever been relegated from the division.
Perhaps more importantly, he also has experience in the Championship, successfully promoting West Ham, so should he fail to keep the club up, he would be a perfect choice to help bring the club back to the Premier League.
After so much change has taken place in the dugout at Sunderland, the time for some stability has arrived as the club search for their sixth manager since 2013, that is something that Allardyce would also be hoping for, should he return to the game.
Backed by Michael Gray
One man who certainly has his hopes set on Allardyce is Sunderland legend Michael Gray; the former player has announced that he would like Allardyce to be the successor to Advocaat.
He believes that the current bookies favorite is the 'perfect' man for the job and has been under the same impression for some time now, as he told Sky Sports: "I’ve said it for about four seasons when the club has been changing all these managers, Sam Allardyce is the man."
His ability to bring the best out of a squad of players, without the need for a big budget, is something that stands out to Gray: "he can work on a shoestring and he’s done it before" - an ability he may need should he join the club.
The signings he did make at his former clubs, whilst they did not bring big transfer fees, all worked, as Allardyce appeared to bring the absolute best out of all his players, having them play attractive, attacking football.
"He brought in players perfect for that club and got the best out of them" said Gray, acknowledging Big Sam's abilities when working with players.
Should he be unveiled as the new Sunderland boss, it is unlikely that Gray will be the only former player to be happy with the news, as Allardyce's appointment would seem a smart bet for the club.
Other Candidates
Allardyce might be the current bookies favorite to take over the helm at Sunderland he is certainly not the only rumoured candidate, with several other managers being discussed as potential replacements.
Sean Dyche, the current Burnley boss, was believed to be a summer target of Sunderland's until Advocaat agreed to stay on. The manager has little experience as far as Premier League goes, but the turnaround at Burnley has been magnificent in recent years.
Dyche has proven himself to be a quality manager, and currently has Burnley sitting in the play off positions, so the move could be a risk that he may not want to take, and he has publicly announced he is not interested in the job, perhaps putting an end to this rumour.
Nigel Pearson is another candidate. Having been fired by Leicester City in the summer, Pearson could well be a potential candidate for Sunderland as the manager looks to get back involved in the game, particularly at the highest level.
Crucially, Pearson has experience of surviving a relegation battle, ensuring Leicester survived the drop last season, an ability that Sunderland will likely need this season.
Whoever ends up taking charge of the club will have a big test on their hands, no doubt, as the pressure will be on from the first minute, with the club sitting in the relegation zone and yet to pick up a win this season. It will be a difficult task to ensure the club avoids the drop, but it is one that someone will have to face.