Curbishley eyes Sunderland job

Former West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has declared his interest in succeeding Roy Keane as Sunderland manager.

Keane surprisingly left Sunderland earlier this week after just over two years in charge and Curbishley, who is currently out of work after resigning from West Ham in September citing boardroom interference over transfer dealings, would love to take over at the Stadium of Light.

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.”

Curbishley has been linked with the job along with the likes of former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan and Hull's Phil Brown.

Allardyce has also confirmed his interest in the position and former England manager Terry Venables believes he is the right man for the job.

In his column for The Sun, Venables said: “My choice for the job is Sam Allardyce.

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

Meanwhile, Peter Reid, the Sunderland manager from 1995-2002, has admitted surprise at Keane's departure.

Reid, who is now manager of Thailand, 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.”