After lengthy negotiations with Wigan, Steve Bruce has been confirmed as Sunderland's new manager. The 48-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light to take up the challenge of establishing the Wearsiders in the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.

Chairman Niall Quinn said: "Steve will bring a professionalism and strength of character to this club that will really help to bring us forward to where we all want to be.

"He knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region and I'm confident that he will be able to instil into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club."

Bruce will be joined on Wearside by coaches Eric Black, Nigel Spink and Keith Bertschin, who have agreed to follow him from Wigan.

Latics chairman Dave Whelan said: "Everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different.

"But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in anyone's way who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan Athletic.

"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.

"We finished in our second highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward.

"As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days.

"We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly. We will make a statement when an appointment has been made."