Charlie Nicholas believes Sunderland need a quick-fix in order to bail them out this season.
The Black Cats sacked Gus Poyet as manager on Monday and are now facing a struggle to remain in the Premier League as they sit just a point clear of the drop zone with nine fixtures remaining.
Dick Advocaat and Sam Allardyce have immediately been linked with the role but the ex-Rangers man is unlikely to step in just yet and Allardyce is currently managing West Ham United.
In the wake of the Poyet axing, former Arsenal and Celtic star Nicholas shared his views on the Stadium of Light conundrum on Sky Sports.
"I'm quite surprised with Advocaat being thrown into the mix and I think they've got to look more short-term, perhaps ask Paul Bracewell or Kevin Ball whether they will come in and help them out," he said.
"I can't see too many candidates out there and it might be a case where they appoint somebody on an interim basis, secure their survival and then they can attract one of the bigger names.
"There are so many managers who want to work in the Premier League but there has been so many comings and goings at the club.
"I suppose they could go after Sam Allardyce and make him an offer but I think he'd want to wait until the end of the season. Sunderland's next game is against West Ham and Sam will be thinking to himself 'Why would I put myself through this?'."
