Sunderland have confirmed the appointment of Alex Neil this evening following a lengthy search for Lee Johnson's successor.
He has signed a rolling 12-month contract with the club and will be joined by assistant head coach Martin Canning.
Neil has been out of work since losing his job at Deepdale last year, but previously guided Norwich City to the Premier League after a playoff final victory over Middlesbrough.
Odds on the former Scottish midfielder taking charge on Wearside were slashed on Thursday following the news that Roy Keane was ruled out of contention.
Neil and ex-Hull City boss Grant McCann were the frontrunners for the vacant post, but it is the 40-year-old who has been tasked with reviving the Black Cats' faltering bid for promotion at the fourth time of asking.
Here is how Sunderland fans have been reacting to this evening’s announcement.
@braddfearnleyy: “Unbelievable appointment I think he’s what we need to take us forward. Very happy, onwards and upwards I hope.”
@neil_atkin: “As much as I want more on what happened over the last two weeks, I just want an ounce of positivity back, so hopefully we get amongst them tomorrow and win.”
@dezzysafc07: “Happy with that, good appointment, has promotions under his belt and plays a system that will suit our players, think he will do well.”
@oskarbrown1: “The club’s messed up. He’s done nothing wrong however so let’s back him till the end of the season.”
@Lewis_h__: “Class appointment but the club messed about for two weeks.”
@WesleyGibson5: “Welcome Alex. We were all behind you – let’s get this done.”
@bigtone59: “Welcome and good luck. I hope you bought your thickest skin with you, you’re gonna need it.”
@TheHopester: “Come on Alex and welcome, we have faith in you. Need answers for the wait though!”
@leech_tom: “Really excited about this appointment. Hopefully we see a good reaction tomorrow.”
