Rock bottom Sunderland held talks with Ally McCoist about taking over as manager.
Last weekend the Championship side appointed Chris Coleman but only after speaking to the former Sevco boss.
McCoist led Rangers to defeats from Malmo and Maribor that ultimately resulted in liquidation for the 140 year old club and had no success with the tribute act.
Despite having the biggest wage in Scotland the BT Sport pundit suffered embarrassing cup defeats to Queen of the South, Falkirk, Alloa, Raith Rovers and Forfar.
Since opting for gardening leave to secure a year of salary as he quit Ibrox McCoist has rebuilt his media career with little prospect of a return to management.
“I had discussions with the chief executive Martin Bain there but clearly they went down another avenue which is fine,” he told TalkSPORT.
“The conversation at that time will remain private. I thought I had the chance of a job but what’s for you won’t go by you.
“Sunderland is a club dear to my heart and if I’m sitting in the Sunderland supporters’ corner then I think Chris a good appointment.”
Sunderland haven’t won a home league match in 2017 with Derek McInnes turning down the chance to take charge in the summer.
Simon Grayson was appointed by Bain but with the club heading towards back-to-back relegations Grayson was axed with Coleman now in the manager’s seat.
