Premier League side Sunderland have confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as their new manager.

 

The former West Ham and Bolton manager has put pen to paper on a two-year deal and has taken charge of the Black Cats with immediate effect.

 

The 60-year-old, who played for Sunderland in the 1980s, was delighted to take the job at the Stadium of Light. 

 

He told the club's official website: “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.”