Aberdeen chief the bookies’ favourite to land Cats job
Former Rangers and Everton manager Walter Smith, said to have offered advice to Black Cats chief executive Martin Bain on the appointment, is a firm admirer of 45-year-old McInnes, and backed him to take the Rangers job after Mark Warburton’s departure in March.
The cash-strapped Ibrox club instead went for Portuguese boss Pedro Caixinha.
McInnes is the 6/4 favourite with bookmakers to become the new Black Cats chief, although Sunderland are considering a number of names for the post.
Owner Ellis Short promised a ‘period of reflection’ following David Moyes’ resignation on Monday morning and an appointment is not thought to be imminent.
Previous favourites Nigel Pearson and Kevin Phillips are beginning to drift in the betting, with former Leicester and Derby boss Pearson thought to be on a three-man shortlist for the currently vacant Middlesbrough job.
Garry Monk, an early favourite among fans, is set to sign a new deal to keep him at Championship rivals Leeds United tomorrow.
McInnes was born in Paisley, as was former Sunderland manager Johnny Cochrane, who led the Red and Whites to the 1935-36 First Division title and the 1937 FA Cup.
He played for Morton, Rangers, Stockport County (on loan), French club Toulouse, West Brom, Dundee United, Millwall and St Johnstone before starting his managerial career at the Perth club 10 years ago.