Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has backed the club’s players for revolting against Paolo di Canio and has urged owner Ellis Short not to appoint a journeyman manager as the Italian’s replacement.

Short is currently assessing his options — former Brighton boss Gus Poyet has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite — after showing di Canio the door on Sunday evening with the dressing room in disarray.

However, while the club has been approached by a series of agents offering up candidates, Quinn is adamant the Black Cats need a man to establish a united front once again.