Sunderland are closing in on appointing Jack Ross' successor and are hoping to have made a decision by the end of the week, according to The Northern Echo.

The Black Cats have been searching for a new manager since deciding to terminate Ross' contract last week with the club sixth in the League One table, following an indifferent start to the season.

Sunderland have now started talking to the candidates they believe are most suited for the role and are hoping to have a new manager in place before the weekend.

According to The Northern Echo, Sunderland have already spoken with former Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson.

Gareth Ainsworth and Paul Cook - who are currently in charge of Wycombe Wanderers and Wigan Athletic respectively - and Daniel Stendel, who parted company with Barnsley last week, are also under consideration.

Nigel Pearson has expressed an interest in the job and wants former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips as his assistant.

However, Phillips has also outlined his desire for the job himself, having had coaching roles at a number of clubs since hanging up his boots five years ago.

The Verdict

Sunderland aren't messing about in their search for a new manager and that's a good thing. Having made the decision to part company with Ross, the club need to make sure that they get this appointment right.

I think all the names that have been mentioned would be good choices. Stendel, Cook and Parkinson have all won promotion from League One recently, while Pearson is also an experienced manager and also knows what it takes to guide a team to success at that level.

Ainsworth has done a great job at Wycombe on a limited budget and could also be a good choice. Phillips' appointment would have to be considered a risk due to his lack of experience as a manager, but it's definitely one that the fans at the Stadium of Light would be able to get behind.

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