Former Sunderland defender Carlos Edwards has backed Neil Harris or Ian Holloway to land the vacant managerial role at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland sacked manager Jack Ross after just under 17 months at the helm following a disappointing start to the season, with the north east team lying sixth in League One, eight points behind leaders Ipswich.

The Black Cats, who have been linked with a move for Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth, narrowly missed out on a return to the Championship at the first attempt last season, losing the play-off final to Charlton in May.

Edwards spent two years at Sunderland between 2007 and 2009, making 50 appearances and scoring five goals, and believes either Harris or Holloway would bring a lot to the role.

The former Trinidad and Tobago international told the PA news agency: "Two candidates that came to mind were Neil Harris and Ian Holloway.

"Two totally different coaches and two different personalities, but brings a lot to the table.

"However way you look at it, they have something. They have proven a lot by being promoted and I've actually played under both managers and I know how they think, I know how they go about doing business.

"It may not always be the right way but you live by those decisions and I would like to see any one of them getting the job."

Speaking at a Goals Worth Talking About exhibition for World Mental Health Day, Edwards said he felt the decision to sack Ross was rushed.

"I think it was a bit harsh to sack the manager this early," he added.

"A lot of pressure was on him, that's fair enough, they didn't get promoted last season, but saying that I think it was a bit of a rushed decision to get rid of him.

"I'm hoping that comes the next time round, that whoever is in the line to get the job can get them promoted or at least give him time to progress."

He added: "I know for a fact he (Ross) did try and it's only going to be a matter of time. Whoever comes in, I do hope that they give him a lot of time."