Ross turned down more lucrative roles – Stew

Stewart Donald says he is ‘absolutely delighted’ to appoint Jack Ross as the new Sunderland manager.

The new club chairman also said that the Scot had turned down ‘more lucrative offers’ to move to Wearside.

Ross and assistant James Fowler have been given twoyear deals and will be charged with lifting Sunderland out of League One.

Donald said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Jack as our new manager. Jack is excited to be a part of the future we are building here, and the fact he turned down lucrative offers from elsewhere, including clubs currently in a higher division than ourselves, is testament to his commitment and desire to succeed at this club and his belief in our vision for the future.

“He joins us following an excellent start to his managerial career, including a memorable 2017-18 campaign with St Mirren, and was deeply impressive throughout the recruitment process. We have acted swiftly and the hard work now continues in earnest as we look towards the ultimate goal of getting Sunderland AFC back to where it should be.”

Meanwhile, former Eastleigh manager Richard Hill is set to join Sunderland, but Donald has said that he will have no first team duties.

Hill was manager at Eastleigh from 2012-2015 before returning in February this year as caretaker manager and director of football.

However, Donald wrote on Twitter that this would not be his role on Wearside.

He said: “He has joined the club in a specific role but no first team duties at all. That’s why we have our Jack!!! Welcome Jack Ross he is our man!!!”

Earlier this week, Donald said that recruitment would be driven by the manager.

Head of Recruitment Neale McDermott has since left the club.

Donald said: “He manager will recruit the players – that will be his call.

“We have a recruitment team and there will still be a recruitment team who works with him, but there will be no interference from Charlie [Methven] or I.”