Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn says their next managerial appointment will be based on ability alone.
The Irishman and his fellow directors have drawn up a shortlist of candidates to succeed Roy Keane and are expected to begin the recruitment process in earnest over the next few days.
But writing in his programme notes ahead of yesterday's crucial Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom at the Stadium of Light, Quinn insisted ability alone will determine their choice.
He said: "In the best interests of the club, I have to have an open mind when it comes to appointing the right person.
"I won't be closing the door on anyone because of who they have or haven't played for or managed.
"I have only got to look out of my office window at the statue of Bob Stokoe to see that.
"Bob was a former Newcastle player, but was very definitely the right man at the right time for Sunderland.
"What we need for the manager's job here is ability, so negatives about where people have come from are irrelevant."