Ranking Sunderland's Premier League Managers As Players - Worst To Best

It's official, Dick Advocaat has pulled a sensational U-turn and returned to Sunderland on a one-year deal, delighting fans everywhere as the club's manager search came to an end. The popular Dutchman steered the Black Cats away from the relegation zone, shedding tears when their survival was confirmed, and cemented himself as a fan favourite, but he's not the first manager to win the hearts of the locals on Wearside, who crave any form of success after a barren spell. In the Premier League era, 10 managers have taken up the reigns as Sunderland boss, and though most of them started well, many faded off and left the club in the rut. But while Sunderland fans will remember them for a variety of reasons in management, how will they be remembered as players? Some continental footballing names have graced the Stadium of Light dugout, even in the past few seasons, though some other managers' playing days are largely unmentioned. So let's take a look at the gaffers' playing careers, ranking them in order of their success on the field as a footballer. Caretaker managers Eric Black and Kevin Ball won't be included, and neither will the legendary Niall Quinn who endured a horrific six game spell that included five defeats in the Championship, not the Premier League.