According to widespread speculation, former Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is the early favourite to take charge at Sunderland.

The hot-seat at the Stadium of Light has been thrown vacant as Roy Keane left the Wearside club this morning.

The former Manchester United captain, who had been the manager of the Black Cats, since 2006, had helped the club reach the Premiership by guiding them to the top in the Championship at the end of 2006-07 season.

It seems that the former Republic of Ireland international midfielder was upset with the flurry of disappointing results of late that saw Sunderland dropping down into the relegation zone and made his feelings of insecurity over his future known.

Meanwhile, Allardyce has been out of management since he departed Newcastle United after a brief spell at St James’ Park from May 2007 to January 2008. And with the 54-year-old having ample experience in developing tough sides that concede few goals, it is being said that the Black Cats Chairman Niall Quinn could prefer to rope in Big Sam in order to save the club from relegation.