Mick McCarthy has been appointed as the new manager of Sunderland AFC, just two days after the sacking of his predecessor Howard Wilkinson.
The former Republic of Ireland boss, who was originally linked with the post back in October after Peter Reid's dismissal, takes the helm with just nine games remaining in which to preserve The Black Cats' top flight status.
The 44-year-old Yorkshireman returns to club management seven years after leaving Millwall having enjoyed four years in charge of The Lions before his successful five-and-a-half year spell with the Republic.
McCarthy has been working mainly with the BBC as a television and radio commentator and pundit since resigning his Eire post in November but has never made any secret of the fact that he always wished to manage in the Premiership one day.
He will need to work a miracle if he is to remain there however as Sunderland are seven points adrift from safety and look increasingly likely to be dropping back down to the First Division after three years in the big time.
His appointment is long-term rather than just a quick fix though, but with 27 points still up for grabs, and with four of their next five games against fellow strugglers – Bolton, West Ham, Birmingham and West Brom – McCarthy will be giving his all to keep Sunderland up.
He said on The Black Cats' official website immediately after his appointment had been confirmed on Wednesday morning: "I’m excited to be joining Sunderland and am up for the challenge ahead. In the short term we have nine remaining games this season and, of course, I will be concentrating on lifting the players to get the best possible results in these.
"I’m also excited about the long-term. This is a great club and it deserves success."
In welcoming McCarthy to Sunderland, vice-chairman John Fickling said: "It has been a difficult period for the club and its supporters but we’re delighted to have secured the services of Mick McCarthy who is well respected in the world of football.
"We have made this change now because we feel it is in the best interests of the club and its supporters. It was important that we acted swiftly to secure the services of a manager who would undoubtedly have been pursued by several clubs during the summer months and by appointing Mick now, we are giving him the opportunity to get to know the players and the club and form a long-term development strategy for the summer and beyond.
"This decision is not about the last nine games or our Premiership survival – although this is important. It has been taken for the long term.
"We believe that today’s appointment will be a crucial turning point and that Mick will halt the club’s decline and revive our fortunes on the pitch. I hope all supporters will join me in welcoming Mick to Sunderland and get behind him and the team."
McCarthy has brought his long-time assistant and former playing colleague Ian Evans with him to Wearside as the new managerial duo look to lift Sunderland AFC from the foot of the Barclaycard Premiership table. The new manager said at the press conference at the Stadium of Light: "I am looking forward to working with everyone at the club. I know a few of the players. I looked at the place and everything about it is about passion. This is a proper football club.
"They have great supporters, everyone has a passion to see the club do well. Everything is right except the results on the field. That is what is important to me and everyone else here.
"That is my brief. It is down to me and the players and Ian Evans. We start at the training ground now.
"I am absolutely determined to try to keep Sunderland in the Premiership. It would be a remarkable achievement to do that.
"I'm told the team are having a difficulty playing at home. But the fans come to support the team. Hopefully we can give them something to shout about.
"I am not saying I am going to keep them up but I am going to try.
"I would like to think I would get a good response from the Ireland players who are here."
He added: "When I told my pals about the job every response from them was good. This is a great opportunity - that's the way I feel about it.
"I will be under pressure on Saturday (against Bolton) - no question. Those people who come on Saturday will be hoping for a good start but I would sooner be under pressure here than other places."
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