ALLARDYCE FANCIES SUNDERLAND JOB

Allardyce has already been installed as the bookmakers' favourite for the Stadium of Light post, even though such a switch would make him the first man to manage both Newcastle and Sunderland.

"Sunderland are a great club so of course I'd be interested in talking to them," said Allardyce, who quit Newcastle 10 months ago. "I have huge respect for the chairman Niall Quinn and the job he has done."

Allardyce, who made 25 appearances for the Black Cats in 1980/81, added in The Sun: "I enjoyed the year I had at Sunderland and also when I did some coaching work there under Peter Reid. I also know how passionate the fans are about their team."

Allardyce's candidacy has also been backed by Kevin Nolan, who was his captain at Bolton.

"I would definitely give the job to Sam if I was Sunderland chairman - no doubt about it," he said.