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After weeks of speculation and going round the houses, Gustavo Poyet has been confirmed as the new Head Coach of Sunderland.
Having been the initial favourite for the job, Poyet expressed openly his willingness to take up the vacancy left by Paolo Di Canio. Then however things cooled as the club explored other options, and Poyet's odds even drifted out considerably.
However, after two weeks of Kevin Ball filling in, and doing a sterling job under the circumstances, over the weekend Ellis Short and his team came to a decision that Poyet was the man.
It's been made aware that the club always fancied Poyet for the job, with him impressing in an early interview with Short whilst Ball's side took on Peterborough in the Capital One Cup, and from then on no other applicant could match the Uruguayan's passion, skill and overall charisma.
Notably missing there is a body of work. Poyet learned some craft at both Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur before being allowed to cut his teeth at Brighton, where he won many plaudits for his brand of football, as well as moving the Southern side up the leagues.
Whether or not he can do it at a higher level remains to be seen, and is the major part of the clubs gamble in appointing Poyet.
Until he proves otherwise though, it's a warm welcome to Gustavo and his team. And we certainly hope he can turn our sinking ship around before it's too late.