Punters believe that Coleman is the man to turn around the Black Cats fortunes.
A 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light against Millwall on Saturday – a game littered with goalkeeping errors – secured Sunderland the unwanted record of becoming the first team in English football to fail to win in 20 successive home games in all competitions. The Black Cats are currently rooted to the bottom of the Championship table and they are 6/4 to be relegated for the second season running.
However, there has actually been cause for optimism in the North East this weekend, as Chris Coleman put pen to paper on a 2-year-deal with the club on Sunday morning and took his first training session with the squad.
The Welshman resigned as manager of the National team on Friday night after failing to qualify for the World Cup. Coleman left the Wales fans with fond memories of his tenure, taking over in 2012 after the death of Gary Speed and guiding the Dragons to their first major tournament since 1958, making the semi-finals of the competition.
The appointment has certainly pricked up the ears of punters, as Sunderland are actually the most backed team for promotion this weekend. 39.8% of all bets have been on the Championship strugglers, the four-figure prices available on them returning to the Premier League judged to be worthy of an investment. One firm are offering a massive 2000/1 if you think Coleman can turn the form book on its head and charge his team up the table.
Oddschecker spokesman, George Elek: 'On paper there is very little cheer for Sunderland fans as they approach the busy festive period, but the appointment of Chris Coleman seems to have punters ignoring recent results in favour for unlikely positivity. Whilst the former Wales boss will have his eyes firmly set on mere survival, fan expectation seems to be higher after a flurry of bets on a quick return to the top flight.'
WATCH: Chris Coleman's first interview since taking charge on Wearside is available here...
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