Sunderland legend Peter Reid would put his hand up for the manager's job, insists former captain Michael Gray.

Sunderland are seeking a new manager after sacking Simon Grayson yesterday - and Gray believes Reid is open to a second spell in charge.

Gray told Sky Sports: “Who would want to take it? That's the question you have got to ask.

“We have had experienced managers, we have had managers with great Premier League experience. The last person to get it right was probably Peter Reid.

“Whether Peter wants another opportunity and a crack at the Sunderland job, it's a question you would have to ask him. But I'm sure he would absolutely jump at the opportunity.

“It needs someone who knows the club, who knows how to get the best out of players - and the players he's got at his disposal right now simply aren't good enough.

“January can't come quick enough and hopefully the chairman puts his hand in his pocket because the last thing we need is to go down another level."

Former Everton captain Reid has not managed in English football since he left Plymouth in 2011 but has returned to the game in an advisory role at Wigan.

Gray added: “People aren't going to the club any more and it's an awful place to be right now.

“I hope it's someone who knows the club, whether it's someone who is at the club already or someone who has been at the club before. The place is a complete mess from top to bottom and it needs sorting. They have got to get it right behind the scenes and on the football field on matchdays.

“Who is out there? Who is going to take that risk on a job that looks like a poisoned chalice right now?"