LONDON, Aug 31 — Sunderland hired Tony Mowbray as their new manager on Tuesday after Alex Neil quit to take charge of Championship rivals Stoke.

Mowbray has agreed a two-year contract with Sunderland just three months after leaving fellow second-tier club Blackburn when his contract expired.

Neil led Sunderland back into the Championship through the League One play-offs last season, but left for the Stoke job after less than a year in charge at the Stadium of Light.

Mowbray, 58, oversaw Sunderland’s preparations for their game against Rotherham on Wednesday as he finalised his move to Wearside.

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“I grew up in the north east and I always remember my experiences at Roker Park with great fondness — the emotion, passion and size of Sunderland,” Mowbray said.

“This is a huge opportunity to continue the good work that has taken place over the past two years and I hope the supporters can see that this football club is on its way back.

“It is a journey. I’ve just come from Blackburn Rovers and like here, it was a rebuilding process but we want to win and we will be aggressive.” Sunderland are currently 14th in the Championship, with two wins from their first six games. — AFP

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