Sunderland hires Sam Allardyce on 2-year deal
Big Sam is back.
Sam Allardyce agreed to a two-year deal to take charge of Sunderland, following the resignation of Dick Advocaat.
The straight-forward tactician ended his reign at West Ham United in May after the East London club's owners failed to offer him a new deal.
The Black Cats are currently 19th, but only off the bottom courtesy of a slightly better goal difference than arch-rival Newcastle, and will hope that the 60-year-old's vast experience in the Premier League will help secure safety for the Wearside outfit.
Allardyce does have history with Sunderland, representing the club in defence toward the beginning of a nomadic career.
Advocaat resigned from the north-east club just eight games into this Premier League season, but Allardyce is relishing the challenge that awaits him.
SA: "I met with Ellis and we spoke at length about the club and his ambitions and I knew I wanted to be part of that" pic.twitter.com/4jlSAHAIAQ
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 9, 2015
Fond memories of the Roker Roar as a player. Now let's make some positive memories at the Stadium of Light. What a fantastic place to be ⚽️
— Sam Allardyce (@OfficialBigSam) October 9, 2015
The burly northerner will take the Sunderland bench for the first time in its trip to West Bromwich Albion on Oct. 17.