TONY MOWBRAY is back in management after accepting the Sunderland job following whirlwind talks.
The former Blackburn Rovers boss took on the challenge after talks and will return to the dug out after Alex Neil’s sudden departure.
Free agent Mowbray got the nod from the Black Cats who also considered Chelsea coach Anthony Barry and MK Dons chief Liam Manning.
The Championship side ultimately opted for the former West Brom boss’ superior experience.
Sunderland were rocked on Friday by Neil’s exit to take charge at Stoke after a successful six-month spell on Wearside.
Neil finally led the club to promotion after four years in League One and has overseen an impressive start back in the Championship.
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Mowbray lives locally and worked for Middlesbrough in one of his many jobs in the game.
Now he will work within the budget at Sunderland and also in a management team that he will inherit.
The coaching staff assembled under Neil have all stayed after the boss quit for Stoke with the exception of Martin Canning.
Mowbray has a strong ally in chief scout Steve Harvey who was with him at Blackburn and will be able to help him in the transfer market.
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Sunderland are looking for new players to boost their small squad and Mowbray may try for Dutch centre half Jon Paul van Hecke at Brighton.
Van Hecke starred for Blackburn on loan last season and may go out again if he signs a new contract and the Seagulls can find a replacement.
Ironically Rovers are also interested in him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
