Sunderland appoint Chris Coleman | OneFootball

Sunderland have announced the appointment of Chris Coleman as the club’s new manager.

Coleman has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at the Stadium of Light and takes over from Simon Grayson, who was sacked last month with the club languishing in the Championship’s relegation zone.

“It’s an honour to be appointed the manager of Sunderland AFC and I’m over the moon that the club believes I am the right man,” Coleman told the club’s official website.

“The club worked incredibly hard to make sure we were a good fit and to show me the potential that can be achieved here.

“I believe that every person at this football club, every player and every supporter has a part to play in getting us back to where we belong.”

The 47-year-old Welshman takes over at the Black Cats following five years in charge of the Welsh national team, whom he famously guided to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – the nation’s first major international tournament since 1958.

At club level, he has previously managed Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City and Greek side AEL.

“The football club has conducted a thorough process over the last three weeks to identify the best manager for the job, before and after which Chris was the clear first choice,” said chief executive Martin Bain.

“We are delighted that he and Kit Symons, his assistant manager, have joined us, and are now focused on working together to get the football club moving in the right direction.”

Coleman has a big job on his hands to turn the Wearsiders’ fortunes around after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Millwall set a new English record for the most home matches (20) without a win.

He will take charge of his first match when Sunderland travel to face Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.