Martin O'Neill Appointed As Sunderland Manager

Martin O'Neill has been confirmed as Sunderland manager.

The 59-year-old former Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa boss takes over from Steve Bruce on a three-year contract starting on Monday. "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," said O'Neill. Sunderland chairman Ellis Short said: "Martin has as good a managerial pedigree as you could wish to find."

O'Neill was Sunderland's first choice to replace Bruce, who was sacked on Wednesday. O'Neill visited the club's training ground ahead of Sunday's game against Wolves, which will be overseen by Eric Black, Bruce's former assistant.

"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," O'Neill added. "I hope I can help Sunderland to a very successful period. That's what I've come for and that's my driving ambition."

Short claims O'Neill has proven himself a "very astute, top-level manager". He said: "During his time at Aston Villa he established the club firmly in the top 10 of the Barclays Premier League year on year and this is something we are striving to achieve at Sunderland. "Having spoken with him 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."

The Black Cats have won only twice in the Premier League this season and sit 16th in the table. O'Neill, a boyhood Sunderland fan, has been regularly tipped for vacant jobs at high-profile clubs since leaving Aston Villa in August 2010 and was the bookmakers' favourite for the post.

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