Dick Advocaat to stay at Sunderland: Manager signs new one-year contract after performing incredible U-turn a week after leaving
Advocaat joked that staying at Sunderland could result in a 'divorce' but looks to have been persuaded to sign a new deal as manager
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Your support makes all the difference.Dick Advocaat has performed an incredible U-turn and signed a new one-year contract to return to Sunderland just a week after leaving the club.
The Dutchman came in at the Stadium of Light after Gus Poyet was sacked earlier this year, and guided them to Premier League safety before announcing he would leave the club.
He informed Black Cats owner Ellis Short that he would not be staying with the club because his wife is keen for him to retire and joked that a new contract would result in him getting “a divorce”, but has been persuaded to stay after signing a new deal to stay at the club.
A statement issued by the club on their official website said: "Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Dick Advocaat as head coach.
"The highly-experienced Dutchman has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the Stadium of Light."
Advocaat explained why he he was convinced to return to the helm and spend another year in the Premier League.
“After a lot of discussions with Ellis and Lee [Congerton], they convinced me that I am the right man for the club," said Advocaat.
“It was a great feeling to be part of Sunderland in the last few months, the experience was something very special and after talking with Lee, Ellis and of course my family, we all agree it is the right decision.”
Sunderland owner Short added: “Dick’s credentials in football are top class and we saw what an impact his vast knowledge and experience had on our team and the club as a whole in just two months.
“Sunderland fans took him to their hearts and so did everyone at the club, so we are absolutely thrilled that he will be here longer term.”
Advocaat will have a mammoth task to turn around Sunderland’s fortunes after they toyed with relegation for another season, ending up just two places above the drop zone at the end of the campaign after the final day defeat to champions Chelsea.
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