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Big Sam favourite to replace departed Dick

SAM ALLARDYCE is seen as the favourite by bookmakers to become Sunderland’s next manager after Dick Advocaat quit the Premier League strugglers.

The Dutchman, who had been the subject of heavy support to leave his position late last week, was 1-7 with Coral on Sunday morning and departs with the Black Cats without a Premier League win in eight attempts this season.

Advocaat was available at 8-1 in the ante-post Premier League sack race and said: “I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time turn things around – like we did last year.

“I am thankful to the chairman for understanding my feelings and I remain on good terms with everyone at the club.”

Allardyce is the 13-10 market leader to fill the Stadium of Light vacancy, while Burnley boss Sean Dyche has been linked with the post and can be backed at 5-1.

Nigel Pearson and Patrick Vieira are also prominent in the market, while Harry Redknapp is 25-1.

One newspaper suggested Redknapp was a runner because of his friendly relationship with Sunderland owner Ellis Short.

Whoever takes over from Advocaat will have a tough job on their hands with the 19th-placed Black Cats 1-4 to be relegated after accumulating only three points this season.

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