Dick Advocaat Appointed As New Sunderland Manager

Sunderland: Dick Advocaat appointed Black Cats boss

Sunderland have appointed Dick Advocaat as their new manager until the end of the season.



The former Netherlands coach takes over a day after the sacking of Gus Poyet with the Black Cats one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

"We have one aim only now - to climb the table - and everyone is fully focused on the task ahead of us," said Sunderland chairman Ellis Short.

Advocaat, 67, said: "I can't wait to get started."
Poyet was sacked after a run of just one victory in 12 league games, which left Sunderland 17th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone.

They were thrashed 4-0 at home by relegation rivals Aston Villa in Poyet's last game and Advocaat's reign will get under way with a game at West Ham on Saturday.

"Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead," said the Dutchman. "We must now concentrate on Saturday as a priority."

Advocaat has been out of work since resigning as Serbia coach in November.
His previous clubs include Rangers, PSV Eindhoven and Zenit St Petersburg, while the Dutchman has also managed six national teams, including Belgium and South Korea.

Advocaat has won domestic league titles in Netherlands, Scotland and Russia.

"Dick has an incredible CV and vast experience of managing at the very highest level," said Short.
Former Netherlands and Rangers defender Arthur Numan told BBC Radio 5 live that Advocaat has "always dreamed of coaching in England".

Numan, who played under Advocaat for club and country, added: "I think the press are going to love him as well because he is outspoken."

Source: BBC Sport