Peter Reid would be interested in the Sunderland job

There have been claims that few would want the job at a club in crisis with no scope to make major signings to strengthen.

But that is not the case, with a number of coaches in and out of jobs telling the Starsport that they want to take charge.

Former Sunderland boss Peter Reid, 61, would not hesitate to return.

He is currently assisting Paul Cook at promotion-chasing Wigan Athletic.

Former Sunderland striker Ally McCoist, 55, also wants it. He is a season ticket holder and was interviewed before Grayson was appointed.

And there are a host of other candidates, including former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish, 58, Southend’s Sunderland-supporting manager Phil Brown, 58, and Shrewsbury’s up-and-coming boss Paul Hurst, 43. Former Boro manager Aitor Karanka is also on the list.