Michael Beale appointed as new Sunderland head coach
The former Rangers boss has signed a deal until the summer of 2026
Sunderland have appointed former Rangers boss Michael Beale as their new head coach.
The 43-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2026 as he takes over as the permanent successor to Tony Mowbray, who was sacked at the start of December following a poor run of results.
Beale's last job came at Ibrox, where he enjoyed success working as Steven Gerrard's assistant when Gers won the Premiership title in 2020-21 before returning to the Scottish club as manager in November 2022 after a six-month spell as QPR boss.
The Englishman was sacked by Rangers in October after a disappointing start to the new season.
Beale told the Sunderland website:
"It's a huge honour to be joining the Sunderland family and I would like to thank (Sunderland owner) Kyril (Louis-Dreyfus), Kristjaan (Speakman) and the rest of the executive team for the faith and responsibility they have placed in me.
"The existing coaching team deserve huge credit for the way they navigated the interim period and like all of the staff at the club, they will continue to be vitally important moving forward alongside the incredible fans that make SAFC such an historic and unique club.
"It's clear there is some excellent work being done at senior and academy level and I'm excited to support those efforts and implement my own ideas, as we build on the strong identity already established within the club."
Beale takes charge of Sunderland with the club seventh in the Sky Bet Championship and three points off the play-off places following a solid spell under interim boss Mike Dodds.
Dodds, who guided the team to wins against West Brom and Leeds before suffering defeat to Bristol City on Saturday, has been handed the role of assistant head coach.
Sunderland sporting director Speakman told the club website:
"We have monitored Michael's career for some time and we are delighted to have reached an agreement for him to become our new head coach.
"He has an excellent and well-founded reputation for developing players and he is an outstanding progressive coach, who is aligned with our playing identity and naturally fits within our structure alongside Mike Dodds and the wider team.
Beale's first game in charge will take place on Saturday when Sunderland host Coventry at the Stadium of Light.
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