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Premier League: Sunderland appoint Dick Advocaat until the end of the season
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Dutchman Dick Advocaat has been appointed as Sunderland manager until the end of the season.
Advocaat replaces Gus Poyet, who was sacked on Monday after managing only four wins in the Premier League this season.
After a 4-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, they are now only one point above the relegation zone with nine games left.
Speaking about the appointment, Sunderland AFC chairman Ellis Short said: “Dick has an incredible CV and vast experience of managing at the very highest level. We have one aim only now - to climb the table and everyone is fully focused on the task ahead of us.”
Mr. Advocaat said: “Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead. We must now concentrate on Saturday as a priority and I can’t wait to get started.”
Advocaat began his managerial career in his native Holland, going on to manage the Netherlands at international level on two occasions, after success at club level with a number of top sides in the Dutch league.
Following success in Holland, Advocaat moved to Scotland, guiding Rangers to five trophies during his four years at Ibrox, before returning to the Holland national team set-up in 2002, and also won the Russian League and Cup as well as the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2008.