Gus Poyet Handed New Contract At Sunderland

28 May 2014, 19:36 | Updated: 29 May 2014, 05:38

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has signed a new contract at the Stadium of Light, which will see him remain on Wearside until 2016.

After taking over the helm in October 2013, the Uruguayan masterminded the club's spectacular survival campaign, which saw the team ultimately finish 14th in the Barclays Premier League.

Under his guidance, the Black Cats recorded stunning league victories over Chelsea and Manchester United and did the double over local rivals Newcastle United.

Poyet also took Sunderland to its first major cup final in more than two decades, beating Manchester United in the two-leg semi-final of the Capital One Cup. Speaking after signing his new contract,

Poyet said:
"I am delighted to extend my stay with Sunderland AFC, after an unbelievable season and our famous Great Escape.

Stability is absolutely key to long-term and sustained success for any football club, and this new contract gives both the club and me that stability going forward.

Now it's a different challenge for me and the club and I am relishing the next stage with Sunderland. We achieved so much last season, working together - the club and the fans - and we took many good memories from the season.

The prospect of creating more of those memories is one which excites me, and now I cannot wait for the next chapter in my career and the history of Sunderland AFC.'

Sunderland AFC's sporting director, Lee Congerton added:
"We are naturally delighted that Gus has committed his long-term future to Sunderland. Our plans are well underway in terms of summer recruitment and we are working hard to bring new faces to the squad ahead of the 2014-15 season."

Poyet's backroom team of Mauricio Taricco, Charlie Oatway, Andy Beasley (GK coach) and Antonio Pintus (fitness coach) will continue to work alongside him.