Several names, who are normally connected with most jobs, have been bounded about; Peter Ried, Alan Curbishley and Davod O’Leary have been mentioned. But one person has put themselves forward for the job. An ex-Magpie.

Sam Allardyce, who was at the helm of rivals Newcastle United for 8 months, has put his name forward to be the fiery Irishman’s replacement:

I’ve said over the last few days that I would like to get back into managing a football club and I’m bound to be linked with Sunderland at the moment. There’s been no official contact but I know what a great club it is. I’ve worked there twice before, so I know what it needs.

But we’ll just have to wait and see. I really feel I’m ready now.

There are two obstacles to overcome with the possiblity of ‘Big Sam’ being in charge of the Black Cats. First and foremost, would he take Sunderland forward? His Bolton side were known for succeeding, but playing a brand of anti-football, whereas Sunderland under Keane played attractive football. If he is chosen, the second factor comes in, how would ther Sunderland fans react to him? Has his association with Newcastle tainted him forever, or will his lack of success at St James Park, like Michael Chopra, ease him into the Stadium Of Light hotseat?

The Irishman is keen on bringing South African striker Benni McCarthy to the Stadium Of Light as he looks to calm nerves over the Mackem’s front line. With Kenwyn Jones lost to a long-term injury and speculation over the future of Michael Chopra, Keane is eager to bolster his strikeforce no matter what.

McCarthy, who arrived from FC Porto in 2006, is looking for a fresh challenge since Mark Hughes left for Manchester City and has been said to be interested in linking up with the fiery Keane.

However, The Daily Mail reports that Sunderland will have competition in the race for the South African’s signature:

The 30-year-old is ready to quit Rovers and the lure of the Champions League had put [Galatasaray] in pole position, although they were not prepared to match a £10million asking price.

The Turkish giants are less likely than Sunderland to meet Rovers asking price of £10m, with Keane said to be willing to go higher than the original £7m bid, but if bothclubs have offers accepted, it is more than likely that McCarthy will travel to Turkey.

With McCarthy constantly saying he’d leave Blackburn for a Champions League club should the chanve arrive, will Rovers fans be glad to see the back of him? Would Sunderland fans, realistic Sunderland fans, be happy with a striker who was always looking for his next move up to a European team? Would you rather have a player who was looking to impress, getting one great season from him?

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