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Sunderland next manager odds: Kevin Phillips and Aitor Karanka head betting to replace David Moyes

Aitor Karanka reacts during a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium

We look at the contenders to be the next Sunderland manager after David Moyes resigned on Monday.

The Scot has left his role following a season in which the Black Cats finished bottom of the Premier League, winning just six of their 38 games.

Sky Bet's next Sunderland manager market is currently wide open, with plenty of familiar names on the list...

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Kevin Phillips - 3/1 favourite with Sky Bet

The early money suggests legendary striker Phillips is the leading contender to replace Moyes.

If Sunderland are looking for a man to reignite the passion of the fans then they'll do well to find a better candidate than the prolific poacher.

The 43-year-old fired them into the top flight before landing the Golden Boot in 1999/00 with a 30-goal haul.

After spending his remaining playing years at several other clubs, Phillips has moved into coaching, first at Leicester and now at Derby, where he is currently the first-team coach.

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Derby County first team coach Kevin Phillips
Image: Kevin Phillips is a fan favourite at Sunderland

Aitor Karanka - 9/2 favourite with Sky Bet

He may have only left rivals Middlesbrough two months ago, but Karanka is the other main mover in Sky Bet's Sunderland market, being backed in from 14/1 to 9/2 shortly after betting was opened.

The Spaniard revealed on Goals on Sunday he is keen to stay in England and is settled in the area with his family.

He also boasts a promotion from the Sky Bet Championship but ultimately failed to lead Boro clear of the drop zone before being replaced by Steve Agnew.

David Moyes during the warm up prior to the FA Cup third round replay between Burnley and Sunderland
Image: David Moyes resigned on Monday evening

Nigel Pearson - 5/1 favourite with Sky Bet

The 53-year-old finished his playing career at rivals Boro but he is shorter odds to take over at the Stadium of Light.

Pearson certainly has promotion pedigree, having led Leicester to the League One and Championship titles, but left both the Foxes and Derby in controversial circumstances.

Whether chairman Ellis Short is keen to appoint such a divisive character following Moyes' problems with the media remains to be seen, but the odds suggest he's an option.

Ryan Giggs - 7/1 favourite with Sky Bet

Could this be the job for Giggs to take the plunge into management?

The Manchester United legend is yet to extend his experience beyond his assistant role at Old Trafford, despite being linked with a host of vacancies.

He was most recently favourite to be the next Middlesbrough manager, although Leeds boss Garry Monk has since emerged at the head of that market.

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Garry Monk - 8/1 favourite with Sky Bet

As above, Monk has already been backed in to favourite to be the next Boro manager with his Leeds future up in the air.

The former Swansea boss is yet to extend his 12-month deal at Elland Road amid takeover talks.

Monk's stock has risen this season but he missed out on leading Leeds into the play-offs on the final day of the Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Garry Monk
Image: Garry Monk is currently manager of Leeds United

Other options

Alan Pardew is out of work following his Crystal Palace exit and is next in the betting at 9/1.

Huddersfield manager David Wagner follows at 11/1 and is sure to attract more links if the Terriers fail to win the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.

Former Norwich manager Alex Neil and Luton boss Nathan Jones then enter at 14/1 apiece, while club legend and former caretaker Kevin Ball is a 16/1 chance.

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