Dick Advocaat has been tasked with bringing his “incredible” managerial experience to bear and saving Sunderland from the spectre of relegation.
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Advocaat has agreed a short-term deal to become the embattled club’s head coach after owner Ellis Short acted swiftly to replace Gus Poyet.
Poyet’s 17-month reign at the Stadium of Light came to an end after his side’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday which left them just one point above the drop-zone with nine games remaining.
Although Advocaat is widely seen as a short-term measure he has the backing of Short who hailed his managerial success across the world.
Wish Advocaat well. Great track record just like Felix Magath. But I ask the same question – what does he know about P Lge relegation fight?
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) March 17, 2015
Short said: “Dick has an incredible CV and vast experience of managing at the very highest level. We have one aim only now – to climb the table and everyone is focused on the task ahead of us.”
A trip to West Ham lies in wait for Advocaat as Sunderland look for a much-needed win which would be only their second in 13 top-flight matches if they manage it.
Avoiding relegation will be a big ask but the Dutchman looks as well placed as any to do so, given he has more than 30 years management experience.
Advocaat has twice coached the Netherlands, as well as the national teams of the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, Russia and, most recently, Serbia.
He has won league titles in his homeland with PSV Eindhoven, at Russian club Zenit St Petersburg and with Rangers, securing the league and cup double twice during his reign between 1998 and 2002.
The 67-year-old said: “Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead. We must now concentrate on Saturday as a priority and I can’t wait to get started.”
Advocaat’s appointment did not come as too much of a surprise, given the former Rangers boss was mentioned as soon as news of Poyet’s demise emanated.
Advocaat will be assisted at the Stadium of Light by first-team coach Zeljko Petrovic, his No2 with Serbia, as well as former England Under-20 goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker.
