Scott Parker, a former Newcastle United midfielder, has emerged as a surprising frontrunner to take over Sunderland following Michael Beale’s dismissal.
Beale was fired by the Black Cats after losing 2-1 to Birmingham and won only four of his 12 games in charge, including a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in the FA Cup.
The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving Club Brugge last season, where he won only two of his 12 games as manager. The former England international has been connected with a number of jobs in England and Scotland, and he recently rejected down an offer to join Aberdeen.
Some bookies had Parker priced at 7/4, ahead of Frank Lampard (2/1), Will Still (3/1), and Paul Heckingbottom (7/2).
If Parker takes over as Black Cats manager, it will most likely be after the end of the season, as Mike Dodds is slated to remain caretaker manager until then.
The former Newcastle captain also managed Fulham and Bournemouth, where he led both clubs to Premier League promotion.
