O'Neill takes Sunderland manager's job

Dec 3, 2011, 14:14 GMT

London - Sunderland confirmed on Saturday that they have appoint Martin O'Neill as manager following Steve Bruce's departure earlier in the week.

The 59-year-old Northern Irishman has agreed a three-year deal, and will formally take charge on Monday.

'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,' said chairman Ellis Short.

'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 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.'

O'Neill, a boyhood Sunderland fan, took Aston Villa to sixth in the Premier League three years running before leaving in 2010.

He also won the League Cup twice with Leicester City and three Scottish league titles with Celtic, whom he took to the UEFA Cup final in 2003.

'It's a very nice feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of Sunderland, O'Neill said. '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.'

Eric Black will take charge of the side for Sunderland's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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