Sports Mole assesses five of the early candidates to replace Paolo Di Canio as manager of Sunderland.

Despite having only appointed Paolo Di Canio as their manager in March, Sunderland decided to sack the Italian yesterday evening.

The board took the decision with the Black Cats bottom of the Premier League and winless following Saturday's 3-0 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion.

It has been reported that the Wearsiders are keen to make a swift appointment and so with that in mind, Sports Mole has picked out five managers who are said to be in the running for the Stadium of Light vacancy.

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Roberto Di Matteo
The Italian has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in November 2012, despite having guided the Blues to Champions League success a few months earlier. Speculation has suggested that the 43-year-old is now ready to return to work, having been linked with a handful of clubs in recent weeks. The job ahead at Sunderland looks to be a tough one, but it would provide Di Matteo with the chance to prove his managerial credentials.

Odds: 8/11

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Gus Poyet
During his four years as manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, which were brought to an end this summer following a dispute with the board, the Uruguayan was lauded for the style of football that he implemented. Like Di Canio, he wants his sides to play with a creative freedom, but where he differs is that he also likes to keep any problems in-house. The former Chelsea midfielder spent the last few seasons in the Football League, but now may fancy the challenge of salvaging Sunderland's Premier League status.

Odds: 11/2

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Alex McLeish
It would be fair to say that McLeish's last three jobs - at Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest - have not gone to plan. Birmingham were relegated, Villa just stayed up and a dispute with the owner meant that he lasted six weeks at the City Ground. It's not an appointment that is likely to get Sunderland fans excited, but his out-of-work status may appeal to the club because no compensation would have to be paid. Di Matteo and Poyet may have loftier ambitions, whereas McLeish could well jump at the opportunity.

Odds: 8/1

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Tony Pulis
It's no secret that Pulis is a manager who is keen for his side to play direct football. It's by no means pretty to watch at times, but for the majority of his stint at Stoke City, they were difficult to beat. The season may only be five matches old, but it's already a characteristic that Sunderland desperately require. Having endured a relegation battle with the Potters, Pulis's experience may very well prove vital should he be appointed.

Odds: 10/1

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Steve McClaren
No matter what the 52-year-old achieves in the game, he is always likely to be remembered for his brief and disastrous spell as manager of the England national team. Elsewhere, he has shown just how good a coach he can be, having succeeded in particular with FC Twente in the Netherlands. He also has Premier League experience from his five years at Middlesbrough, whom he guided to League Cup success and the final of the UEFA Cup.

Odds: 16/1

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