MARTIN O'NEILL has been appointed as Sunderland's new manager. The former Aston Villa boss has signed a three-year deal with the Black Cats following Steve Bruce's departure earlier this week.
O'Neill, 59, said: "It's a very nice feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of Sunderland. 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.
"I hope I can help Sunderland to very successful period. That's what I've come for and that's my driving ambition."
Bruce's former assistant Eric Black will take charge of Sunderland's Premier League clash at Wolves tomorrow, with O'Neill expected to watch from the stands.
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short said: "Martin has as good a managerial pedigree as you could wish to find.
"During his time at Aston Villa he established the club firmly in the top 10 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, has been out of management since resigning from Aston Villa in August 2010.
He takes over at the Stadium of Light with the Black Cats sitting 16th in the table having won just twice in the Premier League this campaign.
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