Wilkinson now favourite for Sunderland job

A press conference at 11am at the Stadium of Light is expected to confirm Howard Wilkinson as the new Sunderland manager.

The former Leeds boss has emerged as the hot favourite to succeed Reid on Wearside, with Steve Cotterill likely to be appointed as number two.

Cotterill walked out on Division 1 side Stoke City last night, and it is understood he is set to link up with Wilkinson at the Premiership club.

Mick McCarthy seems now to have been ruled out of contention for the job.