Sunderland's wait to appoint a new manager goes on, with a number of names being linked with the vacancy at the Stadium of Light. 

The Black Cats parted company with Phil Parkinson after a poor run of results in League One, and will be eager to appoint a new manager heading into the hectic, and potentially season-defining festive period.

The likes of Lee Johnson, Paul Cook and Danny Cowley are just some of the names being linked with the job, although it remains to be seen as to who is the frontrunner to take charge.

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips reacted to the news of Cowley being linked with the Sunderland job, and highlighted his achievements with Lincoln City.

"Any manager who has taken a club from a lower-league up to the Championship is going to be considered, of course.

"The Cowley brothers are up there as well given what they did at Lincoln. I know they struggled at Huddersfield but they did very well with Lincoln in League One."

Phillips went on to admit that he wasn't surprised to see that former Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is a potential Parkinson replacement, before stating that he expects his former side to appoint someone with experience.

"I’ve heard Lee Johnson is a fantastic coach and I am not surprised to hear his name. He is not in work so the club would not need to pay any compensation and that may suit them financially."

"Paul Cook is another one because he did an excellent job at Wigan.

"I am sure the club will want someone with a bit of pedigree. Someone who has taken a team out of the lower leagues."

Sunderland are set to return to action on Saturday afternoon, when they take on struggling Wigan Athletic, in a match they'll be keen to pick up three points from.

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The Verdict: 

They need to get this appointment right.

Sunderland haven't been good enough in recent weeks, and so it's vital that they appoint the right manager in the near future, as they head towards the festive period.

I think Paul Cook or Danny Cowley will be realistic targets for Sunderland, as they both have a proven track record in League One, and are without a job at the moment.

Whereas Lee Johnson might not fancy dropping into League One, after spending a number of years with Bristol City whilst they were in the Championship.