Dick Advocaat, Sunderland Agree to New 1-Year Contract

Dick Advocaat has signed a one-year deal with Sunderland following talks with club owner Ellis Short and sporting director Lee Congerton, confirming a surprising U-turn after he originally decided to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 67-year-old joined the Black Cats in March, leading them away from Premier League relegation with a late burst of form.

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Advocaat Pens 1-Year Deal With Black Cats

Thursday, June 4

"After a lot of discussions with Ellis and Lee, they convinced me that I am the right man for the club, said Advocaat via a club statement. "It was a great feeling to be part of Sunderland in the last few months, the experience was something very special and after talking with Lee, Ellis and of course my family, we all agree it is the right decision."

This marks a huge change in emphasis for the Dutch manager, who was previously confirmed to be leaving by Short, reported by Stuart Vose of the club's official site.

Advocaat took the reins of the Black Cats after Gus Poyet was let go with a couple of months left in the campaign. He led the side to three wins and three draws over the final nine matches, which was enough to avoid relegation by three points in 16th place.

The former Netherlands manager will now take the opportunity to build upon progress made at the Stadium of Light.

His deal will allow Sunderland to form some sort of stability after rushing through managers in previous times. Six bosses (two caretaker, four permanent) have taken the post since Steve Bruce left in 2011, making it extremely difficult for long-term plans to be implemented at the club.

Advocaat accomplished the main goal he set out to do in March, but should be expected to achieve a close to mid-table finish for the 2015-16 campaign.