:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50185109/Moyes_main_pic.0.0.jpg)
And breathe.
Sunderland supporters can now look forward to the new season following weeks of uncertainty, and I cannot be the only person who is just relieved that our managerial situation has now been resolved.
Once speculation arose regarding the future of Sam Allardyce, immediately David Moyes was linked with the managerial position at the club and it's fairly easy to see why. In terms of style, Moyes and Allardyce are very similar and the transition that the players will have to make shouldn't be too disruptive.
Speaking to the club website, Moyes said:
I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity.
I have taken over a big British club, with a great support and I’m looking forward to working in the Premier League again.
I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam.
When I first heard that David Moyes was the number one candidate to replace Allardyce last week, I have to admit I was slightly deflated initially. Moyes had not succeeded in either of last two roles having failed to replicate the success that he had at Everton, but on reflection I understand that Sunderland and the job that Moyes has to do here is incredibly similar to the one that he had to undertake when manager at Goodison Park.
The fact we've given Moyes a four year contract is a statement of intent. Ellis Short has said himself that Moyes has been his number one choice for the last five managerial appointments that he has made and, if Short loves David Moyes as much as it seems he does, you would have to imagine that the Scotsman goes into this job with the full backing of the owner - hopefully we'll see that reflected in our transfer business across the coming weeks.
Short told SAFC.com:
We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice.
He is a man whose football pedigree speaks for itself and is someone I have long admired. I have spoken with him on many occasions and I have always been hugely impressed. He was my number one managerial target for the last five appointments, but his desire to honour existing contracts meant we were not able to bring him to Sunderland previously. To be able to finally welcome him as our manager is fantastic news for the club.
The fact that David has committed to a four-year deal is a clear demonstration of his belief in what he can achieve here. It is our aim to become a better, stronger and more stable football club and with a manager of David’s calibre and experience at the helm, we have a fantastic opportunity to begin looking upwards, rather than downwards every season.
Moyes is expected to be at today's game against Rotherham United, backed by over four thousand Sunderland supporters in the away end.
Welcome, David.
