Bruce named as Sunderland manager
Sunderland have confirmed Steve Bruce as their new manager.
The Northumberland-born 48-year-old has left Wigan and signed a three-year contract to succeed Ricky Sbragia, who stood down at the end of last season.
Bruce has had spells managing Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Wigan - twice.
His second spell at Wigan began in November 2007 and this season he took them to 11th in the Premier League, while Sunderland finished 16th.
BBC Sport reported eight days ago that Bruce was Sunderland's number one target to be their next manager.
Chairman Niall Quinn welcomed his appointment, saying "Steve knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region, and I'm confident that he will be able to instill into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club."
Bruce will be assisted by his backroom team of Eric Black, Nigel Spink and former Sunderland striker Keith Bertschin.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said everyone associated with the club would be "devastated" to see Bruce and Black depart, but thanked them for their contribution to the club.
"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent," he said.
"After a period of instability he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future."
Whelan also said Wigan had "several options to consider" for their next managerial appointment, and would not rush into a decision.
The appointment of former Manchester United defender Bruce is the first significant change since American businessman Ellis Short took total control of Sunderland at the end of the season.
Bruce has already been linked with a series of transfer targets, including Tottenham striker Darren Bent and Wigan trio Antonio Valencia, Paul Scharner and Titus Bramble.
Good move for Sunderland this i think, despite being an ex-Scummer Bruce has proved himself to be capable if nothing else.
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