Former Sunderland manager now bookies’ favourite to become Cardiff City boss

Sam Allardyce left Sunderland to become England manager in 2016

Sam Allardyce pictured during his days as Sunderland manager
Sam Allardyce pictured during his days as Sunderland manager (Image: (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images))

Former Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce is the bookmakers’ favourite to become the new Cardiff City manager. The Bluebirds axed Mark Hudson last weekend after a run of nine games without a win.

Conceding two stoppage-time equalisers at home in successive fixtures proved the final straw for Cardiff chiefs. A meagre three-point cushion over the bottom three – despite playing one game more than 22nd-placed Huddersfield Town – triggered alarm bells in the Welsh capital.

One man renowned for his prowess in a relegation battle is ex-Black Cats boss Allardyce. The 68-year-old made a career out of keeping clubs afloat in the Premier League.

Helping Sunderland beat the drop in 2016 while bitter rivals Newcastle United went down helped endear him to the Stadium of Light faithful. However, the England job – a role he stayed in for just one game – proved too tempting an offer to turn down.

Allardyce has since revived his career at Crystal Palace and Everton before finally succumbing to relegation in 2021 with West Bromwich Albion. Retirement was mooted after leaving his post at the Baggies but another job opportunity could tempt the veteran manager.

SkyBet are offering even money for Allardyce to take charge at the Cardiff City Stadium. Former Bluebirds chief Neil Warnock (2/1) and ex-Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton (7/1) are also in the running.

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