Simon Grayson has been appointed New Manager of Sunderland as has promised a swift return of the Black Cats to the Premier League.
The former Leeds United boss has penned a three-year deal after the relegated side were given permission to speak to him on Thursday.
He is then expected to meet his players for the first time on Friday before flying off to Austria with them for a pre-season training camp.
“Sunderland AFC is delighted to welcome Simon Grayson as the club’s new manager. Grayson moves to Wearside after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Black Cats.
“A seasoned manager who has taken charge of over 600 games, Grayson has vast experience of building and improving teams he takes charge of. He arrives at the Stadium of Light after four years at Preston North End, where he took the club from the lower reaches of League One into the Championship,” Sunderland said in a statement.
“I am delighted to come to Sunderland, a club with such wonderful history and tradition. I’m excited by the opportunity to manage this club and I want to bring the good times back.
“Sunderland is so fortunate to have such tremendous support and I want to give these fans a team they can be proud of.
“I want a group of players full of desire, team spirit and a never-say-die attitude – that’s the very least that we should expect from a Sunderland player.
“The Championship is a demanding league, but with all the attributes I have highlighted, then our aim has to be to get the club back to where it belongs as quickly as possible and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
