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Sean Dyche was 24 hours from becoming Sunderland boss - until Dick Advocaat did a U-turn and took the job, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

Dyche, manager of relegated Burnley, was being lined up as Sunderland’s new chief after Dutchman Advocaat had ruled out taking the role permanently despite keeping the Black Cats in the Premier League at the end of the season.

But just as Sunderland were about to open negotiations with new Burnley chairman Mike Garlick for the release of Dyche, 67-year-old Advocaat had a re-think and took the job in a call to Texas businessman and owner Ellis Short.

Advocaat had originally claimed his wife was against him working full time in the pressure-cooker arena of the Premier League.

(Image: Reuters)

That made Dyche Sunderland’s first choice after impressing Short with his management of Burnley during their one season back in the Premier League.

But the call to Dyche never came with Sunderland always ready to give Advocaat extra time to change his mind.

It’s emerged Advocaat initially turned down Sunderland after hoping to land the Belgium job - a post he held for seven months in 2010 before stepping down to manage Russia.

Advocaat fancied another stint with the Belgians after their current coach Marc Wilmots was tipped to join German club Schalke.

But Wilmots decided to stay put - dashing Advocaat’s hopes and forcing him into a Sunderland U-turn.

(Image: Clive Rose)

Said Belgian FA president Francois De Keersmaecker: “Dick Advocaat phoned me about the national coach’s job. But I told him that Marc Wilmots is still our coach, and as long as I don’t hear anything from him there is nothing doing.”

Advocaat told Dutch TV only last weekend: “I would gladly manage Belgium once more. If they make me an offer I am positive about it.

“I won’t be a club coach any longer. But I don’t know whether Wilmots will actually leave his job.”

But days later he signed a one year deal on Wearside.