Sunderland unveil Wilkinson

At a news conference this morning English Premiership side Sunderland AFC announced the appointment of Howard Wilkinson as their new manager with Steve Cotterill as his assistant.

Return to club football
Former manager Peter Reid left Sunderland on Monday evening and speculation had been rife as to who would succeed him. The Wearside club have persuaded Wilkinson, a member of UEFA's technical development committee, to leave his post as technical director of the English Football Association, which he had held since 1997, to return to club management for the first time since his 1996 departure from Leeds United AFC.

Title win
During his eight years at Elland Road, Wilkinson led Leeds to the league title in 1992 having previously managed Notts County FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC. "I relish the challenge ahead here at Sunderland," Wilkinson said. "It is clear to me that this is a club with a proud tradition, huge and faithful support and in the Stadium of Light and academy, facilities that will be second to none."

Great opportunity
During his time with the FA, Wilkinson was twice caretaker manager of England for matches against France in 1999 and Finland in 2000 following the resignations of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan respectively. "I feel that I have benefited massively from my time as technical director at the FA," he added. "It was a great opportunity to take a step back from the narrow focus that club management can have and look at the new and modern developments that were occurring in the game."

Cotterill CV
Wilkinson will be working alongside former Stoke City FC manager Steve Cotterill, who left his post with the Potteries club last night. The 38-year-old Cotterill joined Stoke in May 2002 having led Cheltenham Town FC for five years, lifting the side from non-league football to division two, and winning the FA Trophy along the way.

'Tremendous reputation'
"I am really looking forward to working closely with Steve to develop what is on paper already a strong squad at Sunderland," Wilkinson said. "Steve has established a tremendous reputation within the game in a relatively short space of time. With my experience and Steve's undoubted ability, I see bright and exciting times ahead for Sunderland football club and its supporters."

'Partnership will reap rewards'
Sunderland chairman Bob Murray added: "The Wilkinson and Cotterill team was a key determinant of our decision to make this appointment. We believe this partnership will reap rewards as it brings a complimentary blend of experience and achievement, with technical expertise and new ideas."