Jack Ross named Sunderland boss
The ex-St Mirren manager will take over at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland have appointed Jack Ross as their new manager.
The 41-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Black Cats after compensation was agreed for him to move to the Stadium of Light from St Mirren.
Ross will be joined by assistant manager James Fowler at Sunderland, who have been looking for a replacement for Chris Coleman since he left at the end of April following the club's relegation to League One.
Ross is the current Scottish Championship Manager of the Year and PFA Scotland Manager of the Year after leading St Mirren to the Championship title and Sunderland said they fought off competition from other clubs to acquire his services, with Championship side Ipswich reported to be another interested party.
"We are absolutely delighted to have secured Jack as our new manager,'' Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald told the club's official website.
"Jack is excited to be a part of the future we are building here, and the fact he turned down lucrative offers from elsewhere, including clubs currently in a higher division than ourselves, is testament to his commitment and desire to succeed at this club and his belief in our vision for the future.
"He joins us following an excellent start to his managerial career, including a memorable 2017-18 campaign with St Mirren, and was deeply impressive throughout the recruitment process.
"We have acted swiftly and the hard work now continues in earnest as we look towards the ultimate goal of getting Sunderland AFC back to where it should be.''
Ross is excited to be taking charge of an incredible football club'' and is looking forward to the challenge of getting Sunderland back in the Championship.
"From the moment I spoke to Stewart and (director) Charlie (Methven), their energy and enthusiasm was evident and I share in that,'' he said.
"There's a lot of work to be done in re-shaping the squad to ensure that we hit the ground running in League One, and I can't wait to get started.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of an incredible football club. If you look at the history, the facilities and most important of all, the fanbase, you can see what this club can be. To be part of the team to help realise that potential is something that fills me with excitement.'