Chris Coleman named Sunderland’s new manager as former Wales boss signs two-and-a-half year deal at the club

CHRIS COLEMAN has officially been named as Sunderland's new manager, signing a two-and-a-half year deal.

The Welsh boss, 47, claimed to be "over the moon" at the appointment at the Championship basement-boys.

Coleman had most-recently spent six years in charge of Wales' national team, even leading them to the Euro 2016 semi-final.

On his new role, Coleman said: “It’s an honour to be appointed the manager of Sunderland and I’m over the moon that the club believes I am the right man.

“The club worked incredibly hard to make sure we were a good fit and to show me the potential that can be achieved here."

“I believe that every person at this football club, every player and every supporter has a part to play in getting us back to where we belong.”

Meanwhile, chief executive Martin Bain welcomed Coleman to Wearside.

He said: “The football club has conducted a thorough process over the last three weeks to identify the best manager for the job, before and after which Chris was the clear first choice.

TOP DOGS Wenger, Fergie… Hodgson? Every Prem club’s best ever boss... and there’s no room for Jose

“We are delighted that he and Kit Symons, his assistant manager, have joined us, and are now focused on working together to get the football club moving in the right direction.”

Coleman has previously been in charge of Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City and AEL.

Coleman took charge of his first Sunderland training session on Sunday morning, after being named hte club's NINTH manager in the last six years.

The Welshman will now be preparing for his first game at the helm of the Black Cats, when they take on Aston Villa in the league.

Coleman knows he has a monumental task on his hands, with Sunderland currently dead-last in the Championship, with just 11 points from their 17 games.