Alex Neil's departure as Sunderland head coach to take over at Stoke City has been officially confirmed by the club. The Black Cats issued a statement at 5pm saying that Neil had left Wearside and would become the Potters' new boss with immediate effect.
Simultaneously, Stoke confirmed that Neil had been appointed as their new manager on a three-year contract. Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "First and foremost, we want to thank Alex for his contribution to Sunderland AFC.
"The impact he made is clear and he played an integral role in our promotion last season. Despite signing revised terms earlier this month and receiving an offer to further improve his contract on Friday, Alex felt this was an opportunity that he wanted to pursue.
