This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

The international break is proving a busy time for the board at Sunderland as they sift through the candidates and draw up a shortlist to replace manager Jack Ross, who they sacked earlier in the week.

And, as per the BBC, Sunderland have been given permission to speak to Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth who is enjoying a sensational start to the season, with him guiding the Chairboys to second in the table as it stands.

The Buckinghamshire club reportedly will not stand in Ainsworth's way, should he wish to join the Black Cats.

So would Gareth Ainsworth be a good choice for Sunderland?

We discuss........

Alfie Burns

“I’m very much torn on this one.

“Ainsworth is a good manager with age on his side, and he is improving and doing well with Wycombe in the same division as Sunderland.

“However, the Stadium of Light is a step up from Wycombe, which you’ve got to consider here.

“I fear the job might swallow him up and spit him out without his reputation in-tact.”

George Dagless

"Worth a real look.

"Sunderland are one club that can get him to leave what is an exciting project at Wycombe at the moment.

"They're well out of place division wise and if he can bring the passion and attacking football he provides to the Stadium of Light, fans are going to love him.

"A risk, yes, but one worth looking at because I think the fans would really like him as he'd provide a real freshness that is needed after things got stale under Jack Ross."

Dean Cooke

"He'd be a brilliant appointment for the Black Cats. The work that Ainsworth has done at Wycombe has been nothing short of sensational, and in no disrespect to Wycombe, he's earned a shot at a bigger club.

"I have no doubt that if he were to join Sunderland, then they'd be playing Championship football next year. He has the skills to rebuild a side and make them competitive in any game that they play.

"He still has players that played in League Two playing key roles in the Wycombe side and his shred investment makes you wonder what he could do with a bit of money.

"Fans should research him before making an opinion, as on the outside it doesn't look like a superb appointment, but it would be, as well as being a massive blow to Wycombe."

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