Burley believes board have already decided

George Burley has thrown his hat into the ring for the Sunderland manager’s job – but believes the Black Cats’ board have “already decided” on Howard Wilkinson’s successor.

Wilkinson and assistant Steve Cotterill were sacked yesterday after the duo failed to turn around the club’s fortunes since replacing Peter Reid in October, with Sunderland currently rock bottom of the Barclaycard Premiership.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has emerged as an early contender, with Burley and ex-Leeds boss David O’Leary also thought to be in the running.

Burley was named manager of the year in 2001 after guiding Ipswich into the UEFA Cup following their promotion from the Nationwide League.