‘First choice’ Moyes takes Sunderland job

Matt Stead

Sunderland have appointed former Manchester United manager David Moyes to replace new England boss Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce was confirmed as Roy Hodgson’s successor with the national team on Friday, leaving a Premier League vacancy at the Stadium of Light.

A statement published on Sunderland’s official website on Saturday morning revealed Moyes, 53, has arrived on Wearside on a four-year contract as chairman Ellis Short’s “first choice” to take control of the Black Cats.

“I am delighted to have joined Sunderland,” Moyes said on www.safc.com. “I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity.

“I have taken over a big British club, with a great support and I’m looking forward to working in the Premier League again.

“I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam.”

Moyes had been on Sunderland’s radar when they looked for a replacement for Dick Advocaat last October and, while his stock may have fallen since ill-fated spells at United and then Real Sociedad, his 11 years at Everton made him an attractive proposition and Black Cats chairman Ellis Short was thrilled to have secured his long-standing top target.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice,” the American businessman said.

“He is a man whose football pedigree speaks for itself and is someone I have long admired.

“I have spoken with him on many occasions and I have always been hugely impressed. He was my number one managerial target for the last five appointments, but his desire to honour existing contracts meant we were not able to bring him to Sunderland previously.

“To be able to finally welcome him as our manager is fantastic news for the club.

“The fact that David has committed to a four-year deal is a clear demonstration of his belief in what he can achieve here.

“It is our aim to become a better, stronger and more stable football club and with a manager of David’s calibre and experience at the helm, we have a fantastic opportunity to begin looking upwards, rather than downwards every season.”