ALLARDYCE GETS VENABLES BACKING

The Black Cats are searching for a new boss after Roy Keane left earlier this week. Allardyce, who has been out of work since his ill-fated spell at rivals Newcastle ended in January, has declared his interest in taking over with the team currently third from bottom in the Barclays Premier League.

And in his column in The Sun, ex-England boss Venables said: "My choice for the job is Sam Allardyce. He is a sound manager, did a marvellous job at Bolton and fits the bill."

Meanwhile, Alan Curbishley has also expressed his interest in the vacant post.

Former Charlton manager Curbishley is available after resigning from West Ham in September citing boardroom interference over transfer dealings.

After joining the Hammers, the 51-year-old led them to a miraculous escape from relegation at the end of the 2006/07 season and he wants the chance to guide the Black Cats away from the drop zone.

Curbishley told The Sun: "I'm a Premier League manager for the past 10 years and want to stay working in the Premier League.

"People think boring, mid-table Alan Curbishley's teams finish 10th and seem to look down their noses at that. But looking at the table one or two clubs would be grateful to be in that position."

Curbishley has been linked with the job along with the likes of Sam Allardyce, Gordon Strachan and Phil Brown but he believes Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn will not be rushed into a decision.

"I think Niall will take his time in making the right appointment," he added.