This is the current betting for the next full-time Sunderland manager:

As you can (just about) see, Allardyce and Curbishley are way ahead in the betting. You never know when an outsider, a long shot might come into the picture (the odds on the next Eire manager tumbled to odds on for five different contenders before Trapattoni was appointed from nowhere) but from the current contenders, those two look by far the favourites (as the odds reflect).

Gordon Strachan would have been an interesting option, but after his bizarre display in his recent press conference, you have to discount him – or conversely, at 20/1, cover yourself with a small stake.

Our tip is Fat Sam. He has all the credentials; managed in the North East, been successful in the Premiership (Bolton), secured stability and consistent top half finishes at the same club – remember he was prime choice for the England job not so long ago.

Curbishley did a fine job over a few years at Charlton; but Allardyce has the strength of character and the presence to nail down loose cannons like Diouf and Chimbonda – and there are doubts over Curbishley’s stomach after he walked out on West Ham. The last thing Niall Quinn will want is someone else quitting.

In fact, if you could list all the characteristics Sunderland would be looking for in a new manager, Allardyce ticks nearly all the boxes. At 3.65 (which he is now available at), get on.

Sam Allardyce next Sunderland manager @ 3.65 (Betfair)