London: Sam Allardyce was hired as the new manager of Premier League strugglers Sunderland on a two-year contract yesterday.
Allardyce, who spent a season as a Sunderland defender in the 1980s, takes over from Dick Advocaat, who resigned last weekend after a draw against West Ham left his side second bottom of the top-flight table.
The 60-year-old will be returning to the north-east after previously managing his new club’s bitter rivals Newcastle.
Allardyce had taken a break from football after leaving West Ham at the end of last season, but he has been persuaded to return to management at the Stadium of Light despite Sunderland’s woeful form this season.
Sunderland are yet to win a Premier League match this season, losing five of their eight games, and Allardyce arrives with morale at a low ebb following the acrimonious end of Advocaat’s brief reign.
Having saved Sunderland from relegation with a dramatic escape last season, Advocaat had hoped to revitalise the club with major investment from Short, but the Irish-American tycoon was unable to provide the required funds, prompting the Dutch coach to quit.
Allardyce will take charge of the Black Cats’ first match at West Bromwich Albion next Saturday.