McCoist on shortlist to take reins at Sunderland

ALLY McCOIST is interested in the managerial vacancy at former club Sunderland. The Rangers legend — who played 65 times for the Wearsiders in the early Eighties — is a friend of chief executive Martin Bain and will be on the shortlist to replace Simon Grayson. McCoist would be a hugely popular appointment among a disillusioned fanbase, who called for Grayson to be sacked during Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Bolton. Sportsmail can reveal that Bain was waiting in the tunnel after the game and told Grayson he was fired within two minutes of the final whistle at the Stadium of Light. Bain has now turned to joint caretakers Billy McKinlay and Robbie Stockdale ahead of Sunday’s key trip to Middlesbrough. McKinlay and first-team coach Stockdale could yet put themselves in the frame with a win over Boro, but McCoist (left) and former boss Peter Reid are early front runners.