Poyet ready to succeed Di Canio at league strugglers Sunderland
FORMER Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet is expected to be confirmed today as the new manager of Premier League strugglers Sunderland.
Black Cats chairman Ellis Short has been on the hunt for a new boss after he sacked Paolo Di Canio last month following a tumultuous six-month tenure, which culminated in a 3-0 defeat at West Brom to leave them rooted to the foot of the table with one point.
Caretaker manager Kevin Ball has overseen home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United in the meantime and had been a contender to take on the role full-time, but Poyet is now expected to pen a three-year deal. The Uruguayan took on his first managerial role at Brighton in November 2009, guiding them to promotion as champions from League One in his first full season in charge.
However, the 45-year-old’s stay at the Amex Stadium was terminated this summer amid accusations of alleged gross misconduct, which Poyet strenuously denies and continues to fight.
Poyet is expected to take charge of Sunderland for the first time away to Swansea on 19 October.
His first home match follows against fierce rivals Newcastle United, the same opponents Di Canio faced in his second game in charge on Wearside.