Allardyce wants to replace Keane

SAM ALLARDYCE has made a pitch for the vacant Sunderland manager’s job claiming he “knows what it needs” to be Roy Keane’s successor.

Allardyce said his time at the club as a player and as a coach under Peter Reid has given him an insight into Sunderland.

The former Bolton manager is the bookies’ favourite to get the job – despite his unsuccessful spell at north-east rivals Newcastle.