Persistence paid off for Sunderland after convincing manager Dick Advocaat to return.
The Dutch boss had originally planned on leaving the Premier League side after helping them avoid relegation, but Sunderland confirmed Thursday that Advocaat will be back at the Stadium of Light after agreeing to a one-year contract.
Advocaat looked as though he was heading for retirement when he left the team following their dramatic Premier League survival, saying his days as manager at the club level were over.
However, the new deal was ironed out after extensive talks with the team's chairman Ellis Short and sporting director Lee Congerton.
"After a lot of discussions with Ellis Short and Lee, they convinced me that I am the right man for the club," Advocaat revealed.
"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."
Advocaat joined The Black Cats in March following the sacking of manager Gus Poyet and was tasked with the unenviable job of keeping the struggling club in England's top flight.
His influence and decades of management experience helped Sunderland accumulate 12 points in their final nine games to avoid relegation.
