Sam Allardyce joins Sunderland: Former West Ham boss named new Black Cats manager

New man in charge: Allardyce has taken the reins at Sunderland
Sam Long9 October 2015

Sunderland have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a two-year contract.

The 60-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by West Ham at the end of last season and takes the reins of the Blacks Cats after Dick Advocaat's decision to leave last weekend.

The Wearsiders have endured a difficult start to the season and are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table after their 2-2 draw with the Hammers last weekend.

Allardyce will be tasked with plugging the worst defence in Englan's top tier as Sunderland have conceded 18 goals in their opening eight games.

Getty

In a statement released on the club’s official website, Allardyce insisted he was ‘raring to go’ after his short break from football.

“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.”

Chairman Ellis Short added: “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."

Sunderland's next fixture, following the conclusion of the international break, is away at West Brom on Saturday October 17.

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