Sam Allardyce appointed as manager of Sunderland FC

Sunderland AFC have confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager.

The 60-year-old has agreed to a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light and takes charge of the Black Cats with immediate effect.

After success with Bolton, Allardyce was approached by Newcastle United, where he spent a short spell on Tyneside, before a quick return to management with Blackburn Rovers in 2008. 

After two years at Ewood Park, Allardyce was appointed manager at West Ham in 2011, guiding The Hammers back to the Barclays Premier League one year later.

After three years at Upton Park, Allardyce left West Ham in the summer with the club having qualified for European football.

Allardyce is currently fifth in the all-time list of Premier League games managed, having taken charge of 400 top flight games with four different clubs. During this time he has claimed six Manager of the Month awards.