Roy Keane Leaves Sunderland. Who Will Be The Next Permanent Sunderland Manager?

 
After weeks of speculation, Roy Keane today announced that he has parted ways with Sunderland. He tendered his resignation to the board in the morning who accepted his decision with immediate effect.
The Irishman was leading the Premiership sack race for some time now and his resignation has led to the opening of another betting market by the UK bookmakers, that of his successor at Sunderland.
 
Sunderland had lost six out of last seven matches under Keane including four in straight succession at the Stadium of Light. They are currently lying in the relegation zone of the Barclays Premier League points table at 18th position with only 15 points from as many matches.
In statements issued by Sunderland Chairman, Niall Quin , it appears that the parting was smooth.
"I would like to pay thanks to Roy Keane for all the hard work he has put in, progressing this club, lifting its status and growing its worldwide profile," he said.
"Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League. His winning mentality and single-mindedness were just what this club needed when Drumaville took over shortly before his arrival.
"Roy's decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.
"The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future."
Keane also gave a similar statement "I would like to thank my staff, players, Niall Quinn and in particular the fans for their support during my time at Sunderland, and I would like to wish the club every success in the future. "
Punters could see this coming after Keane had publicly questioned his own ability to rejuvenate the team after 4-1 loss to Bolton on Saturday.
I ask myself every single day if I am the right man for Sunderland," Keane said after his team's 4-1 defeat to Bolton on Saturday.
"I asked myself this morning and I said that I was. Tomorrow morning if the answer's no we will have to look at it.
"I have to be honest in my assessment. It's not about what's best for Roy Keane. It's Sunderland Football Club. I might wake up on Monday morning and think I'm the right man. On Tuesday it might be different."
Now, Sunderland would be looking for their next permanent manager who could boost their team's sagging fortunes and save them from relegation.
Meanwhile, till then, Ricky Sbragia, Sunderland's first team coach would take over from Keane on a temporary basis and would be assisted by Neil Bailey and Dwight Yorke.
UK bookmakers immediately reacted to the news and opened the betting market for the next permanent manager at Sunderland and various names are being floated around.
Ex Newcastle manager, Sam Allardyce is being regarded as the favourite for this job and is available at 7/4 at VC Bet and 11/8 at William Hill, while at Betfair you can back him at 23/10.
Ex West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley is second in the odds race at as low as 4/1 at William Hill and high as 8/1 at Betfair.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is also being talked about as being interested in this job and is available at 7/1 at VC Bet and 10/1 at William Hill. Surprisingly, he is only 6/1 at Betfair. Is that a sign !!!!
Both Steve Mclaren and Phil Brown are being quoted at 7/1 at William Hills.
Some other interesting names include Niall Quinn himself at 16/1 with William Hill and Ady Boothroyd, who is 25/1 with VC Bet but only 9/1 at William Hill.
Betting Choice provides you with the best odds for each top contender from various UK Bookmakers:
 Sam Allardyce 23/10 at Betfair and 7/4 at VC Bet
Alan Curbishley 8/ at Betfair and 7/1 at VC Bet
Steve McClaren 7/1 at William Hill
Phil Brown 27/1 at Betfair and 9/1 at VC Bet
Gordon Strachan 10/1 at William Hill
David OLeary 10/1 at VC Bet
Slaven Bilic 12 /1 at VC Bet
Didier Deschamp 12/1 at VC Bet
Gus Poyet 14/1 at VC Bet and 33/1 at Betfair
Zico 16/1 at VC Bet and 279/1 at Betfair
Niall Quinn 16/1 at William Hill
Gerard Houllier 20/1 at VC Bet
Michael Laudrup 20/1 at VC Bet
Terry Venables 20/1 at VC Bet
Roberto Mancini 20/1 at VC Bet