Shepherd backs big Sam for Black Cats

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has told Niall Quinn to seriously consider Sam Allardyce as his next manager.

Shepherd appointed Allardyce to the hot-seat at St James' Park in May last year, but within days billionaire Mike Ashley launched his takeover bid.

That ultimately led to the sitting chairman's departure and within eight months, that of the former Bolton boss as his brave new world on Tyneside failed to yield results.

However, Shepherd is confident the 54-year-old, who has been out of work for 11 months since his exit from Tyneside, has what it takes to succeed in the Barclays Premier League.

He told the Telegraph: "Newcastle's loss could be Sunderland's gain. What Sunderland need at this moment in time is discipline, and Sam would be the perfect manager to get things sorted out.

"He is an excellent man-manager, but he is nobody's fool and there is no way he will put up with any shenanigans. He is the gaffer and that is the end of it.

"So all in all, I wouldn't have the slightest hesitation in recommending him to Quinn and the board of directors at the Stadium of Light.

"Sunderland fans should certainly be prepared to forgive him for working at St James' Park.

"I am certain Sam is up to the challenge, and I bet he is raring to go, because he's got a point to prove after what happened to him at Newcastle."

Allardyce has spent the days since Roy Keane's resignation at the top of the bookmakers' list of candidates, and has already indicated his willingness to listen to what Quinn has to say.

Like Shepherd, former England boss Terry Venables believes he is the man for the job.

Writing in his Sun column, he said: "My choice for the job is Sam Allardyce.

"He is a sound manager, did a marvellous job at Bolton and fits the bill."

Alan Curbishley, too, has thrown his hat into the ring, although Hull manager Phil Brown has distanced himself from the vacancy.

Curbishley told The Sun: "I'm a Premier League manager for the past 10 years and want to stay working in the Premier League.

"People think boring, mid-table Alan Curbishley's teams finish 10th and seem to look down their noses at that.

"But looking at the table, one or two clubs would be grateful to be in that position."

Quinn insisted on Thursday, in the immediate aftermath of Keane's departure, he would take his time in making an appointment.

He has already received a series of high-quality applications from all over the world, but he and his board have a checklist of qualities they want in a manager.

The Irishman remained patient in his pursuit of Keane during the summer of 2006 before landing a man he believed had the passion and the hunger to do the job, and whatever else he achieved during his 27 months on Wearside, the 37-year-old raised the club's profile beyond measure.

Supporters are still coming to terms with his departure, which has sparked differing responses.

Indeed, one of his predecessors, Peter Reid, admitted he was surprised by his decision to go.

He told the Daily Express: "I can't understand why Roy has left, especially when he has the best chairman in the Premier League right now.

"Niall Quinn is an absolute diamond. Niall will be disappointed but now he must move the club on.

"He knows no-one is bigger than Sunderland. What he can look at is a healthy situation in terms of the playing squad and infrastructure.

"Everything is set up there. Whoever comes in will be very lucky."