FORMER Rangers boss Ally McCoist would consider taking the Sunderland job as the English Championship club search of a new man at the helm.

Simon Grayson was sacked by the Black Cats on Halloween and McCoist, who spent two years at the north-eastern side during his playing days, believes the Stadium of Light hot seat remains an attractive position despite the club’s recent struggles.

Sunderland were relegated from the top-flight last season and their slide has continued into the second tier, where they currently sit bottom of the table with just one win from 16 games.

Read more: Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet expresses interest in Rangers job

Speaking to TalkSport, McCoist was asked if he would consider the job.

He replied: "Of course. Why would you not?

"Sunderland is a fantastic club. It is a brilliant club and a place very, very close to my heart.

"I have had season tickets since I left, at Roker Park and the Stadium of Light. It is a great club.

"I actually feel the north east for football in particular is one of the places in the United Kingdom but I sense the Sunderland fans for the first time I can remember have lost a little bit of heart and a little bit of belief.

"The numbers are dwindling so it is massively important that Sunderland get it [their next manager] right."

McCoist’s only previous managerial experience came at Rangers between 2011 and 2015, when he led the Light Blues to league titles in the old Third Division and League One.