Sunderland appoint Martin O'Neill as their new manager

O'Neill has been appointed as Sunderland's new manager

Sunderland FC have confirmed that Martin O’Neill has signed a three year deal to be their new manager after the dismissal of Steve Bruce earlier this week. The appointment was confirmed in their official website with the club looking to revive their down-falling season, which sees them languishing in the bottom half of the table.

O’Neill, who has been out of management since parting his way with Aston Villa last year, is now eagerly anticipating the challenge that is going to present itself with Sunderland.

He told the website: “It’s a very nice feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of Sunderland. It’s a big moment for me.

“I’d heard about what a good club it was but coming here, seeing the stadium and training ground, I’ve been bowled over. It’s absolutely fantastic. I hope I can help Sunderland to very successful period. That’s what I’ve come for and that’s my driving ambition.”

Despite bringing in quite a number of players in the summer, Sunderland have not really hit their heights this season, winning only two games this season. Their bad run of form was definitely a cause of concern for their chairman and having taken the ‘difficult’ decision to sack Steve Bruce, Sunderland chairman Ellis Short was clearly delighted with the arrival of O’Neill

“Martin has as good a managerial pedigree as you could wish to find and has proven over the years to be a very astute, top-level manager.

“During his time at Aston Villa he established the club firmly in the top ten of the Barclays Premier League year-on-year and this is something we are striving to achieve at Sunderland.

“Having spoken with Martin over the last two days I know he is brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation about the challenge of taking Sunderland forward and I believe he is the perfect choice to deliver the success we all desire.”

Sunderland face Wolves away from home on Sunday and O’Neill is expected to be in the stands.