MARTIN O'NEILL has been confirmed as Sunderland's new manager after completing negotiations at the club's Academy of Light training complex this morning.

O'Neill has signed a three-year contract at the Premier League after agreeing to succeed Steve Bruce, who left on Wednesday.

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short thinks that the 59-year-old is the perfect man to take the Black Cats to the next level.

Short said: “Martin has as good a managerial pedigree as you could wish to find and has proven over the years to be a very astute, top-level manager. “During his time at Aston Villa he established the club firmly in the top ten of the Barclays Premier League year-on-year and this is something we are striving to achieve at Sunderland.

“Having spoken with him over the last two days I know he is brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation about the challenge of taking Sunderland forward and I believe he is the perfect choice to deliver the success we all desire.”

O'Neill, who has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa 18 months ago, thinks that Sunderland have the facilities and ambition to make significant progress.

The Northern Irishman said: “It’s a very nice feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of Sunderland. It’s a big moment for me.

“I’d heard about what a good club it was but coming here, seeing the stadium and training ground, I’ve been bowled over. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“I hope I can help Sunderland to a very successful period. That’s what I’ve come for and that’s my driving ambition.”

O'Neill will be in the stands for the Sunderland's match at Wolves on Sunday and is expected to be paraded in front of the media early next week.

His first game in charge will be the visit of Blackburn Rovers a week on Sunday.