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Sunderland turn to Poyet

Former Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC player Gustavo Poyet has been appointed as the new head coach of the Premier League's bottom side Sunderland AFC.

Gus Poyet is back in management at Sunderland
Gus Poyet is back in management at Sunderland ©Getty Images

Former Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC player Gustavo Poyet has been appointed the new head coach of Premier League side Sunderland AFC.

The 45-year-old Poyet has agreed a two-year contract to replace Paolo Di Canio, who has dismissed last month with the north-east club – as now – bottom of the league on one point. The 26-times-capped Uruguayan international, a 1995 Copa América winner who helped both Real Zaragoza and Chelsea to UEFA Cup Winners' Cup success, will be assisted by Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway.

Poyet's coaching career began in 2006 at Swindon Town FC and after a spell as assistant to ex-Chelsea team-mate Dennis Wise at Leeds United AFC, he worked under Juande Ramos at Tottenham. His first managerial role was between 2009 and this May at Brighton and Hove Albion FC, whom he led from the third tier to the verge of the Premier League.

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short said: "We analysed a wide range of candidates and believe that Gus's track record, experience, commitment and passion make him the right man to take us forward. We welcome him to Sunderland."

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