Advocaat set to replace Poyet

Former Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat looks set to take over the reins at Sunderland following Gus Poyet's departure.

Poyet was sacked on Monday following the Black Cats' 4-0 thumping at the hands of fellow relegation candidates Aston Villa, a result which leaves Sunderland just a point outside the relegation zone.

Advocaat was an early favourite for the position, and it appears that the 67-year-old has now penned a short-term deal until the end of the season.

"I am now in a dark hotel, but soon I’ll be working in the Stadium of Light," Advocaat told Dutch football magazine Voetbal International.
Speaking to AD Sportwereld he added: “This is something I always wanted to do, the Premier League. The Premier League is a phenomenal competition.

"As a manager, that is where you want to work, it has such a pulling power.

"Saturday, West Ham awaits. And then there’s the international break. And then – the derby with Newcastle United. That is really something to look forward to because believe me, this just is a very big club.”

Advocaat, who was most recently at the helm of the Serbian national team, has an impressive resume, having lead Rangers to two league titles, two Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup, while helping Zenit Saint Petersburg to glory in the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, and PSV to the Eredivisie title.