Sunderland appoint Sam Allardyce as manager on a two-year deal

The Premier League club announced the news on Friday evening, having opened talks with him in a bid to replace Dick Advocaat, who left his post last Sunday.

The news of Allardyce's arrival to the Stadium of Light means the Black Cats will have someone in place ahead of their trip to West Brom on October 17.

Allardyce has been on holiday in Spain as Sunderland's interest in him became an open secret, but chairman Ellis Short has persuaded him to resume his career on Wearside following his exit from West Ham after four years at the end of last season.

Short said on Sunderland's official website: "I am very pleased to welcome Sam to our football club."