Sunderland appoint David Moyes as new manager following Sam Allardyce departure

Sunderland have appointed David Moyes as their new manager on a four-year deal, the club have confirmed. Moyes, 53 takes over at the Stadium of Light, replacing Sam Allardyce who was named the new England manager on Friday (22 July).

The former Everton and Manchester United manager has been out of the game for nine months, returning to English football after he was sacked as Real Sociedad boss in November 2015.

"I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity," Moyes said.

"I have taken over a big British club with a great support and I'm looking forward to working in the Premier League again. I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam".

Moyes began his managerial career at Preston North End before his 11-year spell at Everton. In 2013, he was named Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United, signing a six-year contract at Old Trafford.

The Scot, however, was sacked after just 10 months having overseen United's worst season in the Premier League era.

He now becomes the fourth man to be named Sunderland manager in less than three years.

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice," Black Cats chairman Ellis Short said.

"He is a man whose football pedigree speaks for itself and is someone I have long admired. I have spoken with him on many occasions and I have always been hugely impressed.

"He was my number one managerial target for the last five appointments, but his desire to honour existing contracts meant we were not able to bring him to Sunderland previously.

"To be able to finally welcome him as our manager is fantastic news for the club."