Sunderland appoint former Bolton and Bradford boss Parkinson as new manager

Sunderland have appointed Phil Parkinson as the club's new manager following the sacking of Jack Ross on October 8.

Ross was shown the door despite leading the team to sixth in League One, though the team failed to keep a clean sheet during his brief time in charge.

But now the Black Cats have appointed former Bradford boss Parkinson on a two-and-a-half year deal after he resigned as Bolton Wanderers manager in August, with the 51-year-old taking training on Thursday ahead of his first match against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

In a club press release, Parkinson said: 'I've been in football a long time now, and Sunderland's immense history, the passion of its fanbase and its wonderful facilities are legendary within the game.

'It's now up to me to build on the work of my predecessor and deliver the success the fans are so desperate for.

'This is a good squad of players, and I relish the challenge of working with them to achieve our goal of promotion from League One.'

Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald emphasised that Parkinson was their first choice for the job.

'Phil has a proven track record when it comes to achieving promotion and I'm delighted to welcome him to Sunderland,' Donald said.

'During a rigorous recruitment process, it gradually became clear that he was the prime candidate to take the club forward.

'His CV put him on our short list. His references from within the game set him apart.'