Sunderland are on the hunt for a new manager following the surprise decision to sack Lee Johnson.
Johnson had been in charge for a little over two years having taken over from Phil Parkinson, and leaves the club third in League One having won the EFL Trophy in his first season with the club.
The Black Cats will now look to appoint their seventh manager in less than five years after seeing the likes of David Moyes, Chris Coleman and Jack Ross all fail to stick to around for a substantial period of time.
One man who is sure to lead the running among bookmakers and indeed some fans, will be former Sunderland boss Roy Keane.
The 50-year-old former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest star enjoyed a successful and eventful time in charge of the club between August 2006 and December 2008.
Having taken over a struggling side, Keane led the club to the Championship league title in his first season, but departed in his third season, resigning after one too many disagreements with the board.The nature of his departure is still a disappointment and frustration to Keane, who hasn't managed since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011, with the ex-Sunderland manager making it clear previously his thoughts on his time in charge.
"It still saddens me," said Keane previously.
"I still think I should be manager of Sunderland, I really liked the club, and I liked the people."
Keane's love for the club is likely to see him among the early front runners with many to succeed Johnson, with the board knowing a swift appointment is needed with a busy February waiting around the corner, starting at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
