Sunderland Next Manager: 5 Replacements For Martin O'Neill
surprisingly sacked manager Martin O'Neill last night, with just seven games of the Premier League season remaining. The Black Cats are without a league win since January 19th when they prevailed 3-2 over Wigan, and have suffered an eight-game spell without victory. That has led to a dangerous slump toward the bottom three and with a relegation scrap well and truly on their hands, the Sunderland board have decided it is now time for a change in direction. O'Neill replaced Steve Bruce at the helm a little over a year ago but becomes the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season following Roberto Di Matteo, Mark Hughes, Nigel Adkins and Brian McDermott's dismissals. Sunderland are currently 1 point above the relegation zone having played a game more than those below them, and will be without star striker Steven Fletcher for the rest of the campaign. These are clearly troubling times for the club, who must now appoint a new manager as soon as possible if they are to prevent a tailspin. O'Neill's successor's first game could be the trip to Champions League-chasing Chelsea on 7th April - a baptism of fire if ever there were one - and here we take a look at 5 potential candidates who could step into the breach. Click "Next" to begin.