Friday 25 May 2018 14:35, UK
Sunderland have appointed former St Mirren boss Jack Ross as their new manager on a two-year deal.
The 41-year-old, who received Scottish Championship Manager of the Year after guiding St Mirren to promotion to the Scottish Premiership, will be joined by assistant manager James Fowler at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking about his appointment, Ross said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of an incredible football club. If you look the history, the facilities and most important of all, the fan base, 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."
Ross had been in the frame to succeed Mick McCarthy as manager at Ipswich, and admitted last week there had been "communication" between St Mirren and the Championship side.
New Sunderland owner Stewart Donald - who completed a £40m takeover of the club on Monday - stated earlier this week that Chris Coleman could be in line for a shock return to the club.
He was sacked by previous owner Ellis Short last month, but Donald said: "I wouldn't rule out potentially talking to Chris."
Donald said of Ross' appointment: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured Jack as our new manager.
"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."
