Sunderland wanted Moyes for last five appointments

Ian Watson

David Moyes: Welcomed to Sunderland

Chairman Ellis Short says David Moyes has been his number one target for the last five managerial appointments he has made at Sunderland.

Former Manchester United, Everton and Real Sociedad boss Moyes was confirmed as Black Cats boss on Saturday morning following Sam Allardyce’s departure to take the England job.

Moyes says he is delighted to take the role, with Short equally thrilled to finally land the manager he has craved.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David Moyes to Sunderland, who was by far and away our first choice,” the American businessman said.

“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.”