Allardyse Appointed Sunderland Manager

Sunderland have announced the appointment of Sam Allardyce as their new manager. The Englishman replaced Dutch football legend, Dick Advocaat, who resigned his appointment from the club few days ago.

Allardyse, who has coached teams in the English top division including Bolton, West Ham and Newcastle United, has expressed excitement in getting the job.

“I have enjoyed my break from football and now I’m raring to get back. I met with Ellis and we spoke at length about the club and his ambitions and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

“I hope to be able to help to bring the stability and success that everyone wants.

“Of course it’s a challenging job, but it’s something I have experience of in the past. I’m looking forward to working with the players and of course I will be relying on the help of the Sunderland supporters, whose tremendous passion I have experienced first-hand. I can’t wait to get started,” Allardyse said.

He was the favourite for the job after Advocaat’s exit from the club after their 2-2 draw against West Ham United.

The 60-year-old Big Sam agreed to a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light and takes charge of the Black Cats with immediate effect.

Also speaking about the appointment, the club Chairman, Ellis Short said, “I am very pleased to welcome Sam to our football club.

“Sunderland is a club he knows well and he was the obvious best choice for the job. He has vast experience of managing in the Premier League and an understanding first-hand of the north east and the passion of our fans, which will stand him in great stead.

“I would like to assure our fans that once Dick made us aware of his intention to leave, Lee Congerton oversaw an organised and structured recruitment process, that bore very little resemblance to what has been described in the media.

“For example, this was a very popular job, proactively sought after by a large number of managers – contrary to much of what has been portrayed. The process was made easier by the fact that Sam was such an obvious choice.

“The other misconception is that Sam had to be persuaded to join us; nothing could be further from the truth. From the very beginning, he understood the importance of this job and showed great enthusiasm for the role and a desire to be part of moving this club forward.”