Neil hired as Stoke manager after leaving Sunderland

London, Aug 28, 2022 (AFP) - Championship side Stoke hired former Sunderland manager Alex Neil as their boss on Sunday.

Neil quit Sunderland earlier this week and has now been officially appointed by Stoke after several days of speculation.

The former Norwich and Preston boss signed a three-year deal with Stoke after watching their 1-0 win at Blackburn from the stands on Saturday.

Neil only took over at Sunderland in February and led them to promotion to the Championship through the League One playoffs.

He replaces Michael O'Neill at Stoke. The former Northern Ireland manager was sacked following a disappointing start to the season.

"Alex was our No. 1 choice to become our new manager, and I'm delighted we have secured his services so quickly," Stoke joint-chairman John Coates said.

"His managerial pedigree is excellent, with three promotions already on his CV, and we are looking forward to working closely with him to help him realise the ambitions that he and the club share."