O’Neill favourite for Sunderland

Thursday, 01/12/2011

Former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is favourite to take over as Sunderland manager.

It is believed the Black Cats have made initial contact with the Irishman.

The Wearsiders yesterday sacked gaffer Steve Bruce after a series of poor results left them in 16th spot in the Premier League.

O'Neill, 59, who has also had spells in charge of Wycombe, Norwich City, Leicester and Celtic, is believed to have turned down other jobs as he waited for a top-flight post to become available.

He quit as boss of Villa in August last year, on the eve of the new season. It is thought he was unhappy with a lack of transfer funds.

Former Blackburn and Wales boss Mark Hughes is also believed to be in the running for the job at the Stadium of Light.

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