Relegation threatened Sunderland have called upon former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat to replace Gus Poyet and keep the Black Cats in the Premier League, reports CaughtOffside.
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Poyet – who produced a miraculous turnaround to keep the team up last season – was removed from his position after Saturday’s incredible 4-0 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa, leaving the club one place and one point above the bottom three, and the board have seemingly taken little time to find his successor.
Advocaat could take over the team for the remaining nine games of the season, but will not be considered for the role on a permanent basis. Despite his days already being numbered, the Dutchman stands to pocket £500,000 in bonuses should he keep the side in the top flight come May.
The Sunderland board are understood to have drawn up a shortlist for the long-term successor to the Uruguayan. One of the names will be in the opposite dugout for potentially Advocaat’s first game in charge, as they take on West Ham. Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly facing the sack at the end of the season as the Hammers prepare for their Olympic Stadium move in a couple of years, so could be available.
Another name on that list is Real Madrid assistant Paul Clement, but it remains to be seen how much of a desire he will have to begin a career as a number one.
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