Sunderland has confirmed the appointment of David Moyes as the club’s new manager after Sam Allardyce’s departure to take the England job.

Moyes signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light. This will be his first job in the Premier League since he was sacked by Manchester United in April 2014.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice,” Goal quoted chairman Ellis Short as saying on Saturday.

“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.”