Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has been installed as the hot favourite to become Sunderland’s new manager after Paolo Di Canio’s was dismissed by the club on Sunday evening.

The former Swindon boss oversaw just thirteen games whilst in charge of the North East club, and with no wins coming in their five league matches so far this term, they have decided to make a change.

Their latest defeat, which came at the hands of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon, ended with a chorus of boos, and calls for Di Canio’s sacking from the Sunderland faithful.

Di Matteo has been out of work since he was given his marching orders by Chelsea back in November, and is available at a price of 2.1 (11/10) with Sky Bet to get the top job with the Mackems.

Next in line is fellow former Chelsea player Gus Poyet, who has himself been without a job since being shown the door by Brighton and Hove Albion during the summer.

The Uruguayan is a 3.5 (5/2) shot to be handed his first top flight job by Ellis Short, ahead of the also unemployed Alex McLeish, who is available at 9.0 (8/1).

The former Rangers boss was endured a swift, disappointing spell with Nottingham Forest halfway through last season, having narrowly avoided relegation with Aston Villa during the 2011/12 campaign.

Club legend Kevin Ball, who has been placed in temporary charge of the Black Cats, is 11.0 (10/1) to be given the job on a permanent basis.

Ball managed the club for ten games back in 2006, winning just once, and will pick the team for Tuesday evening’s League Cup third round tie with Peterborough United.

Tony Pulis and Steve McClaren are next in the market at 13.0 (12/1) and 15.0 (14/1) respectively, ahead of a clutch of former managers of the club, many of which are priced at 41.0 (40/1).

They are Martin O’Neill, Mick McCarthy and Niall Quinn, while Peter Reid is a 51.0 (50/1) chance, ahead of Roy Keane, who is available at 67.0 (66/1).