SUNDERLAND have confirmed Alex Neil has left the club to take over as Stoke manager.
The Scot, 41, was only appointed Black Cats boss in February and led the club to promotion from League One last season.
He guided Sunderland through the play-offs to beat Wycombe at Wembley for a place in the Championship.
But after a promising start to the new campaign, which included a win over Stoke, Neil has departed to take over at the bet365 stadium.
He replaces former Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill following his sacking this week.
Sunderland released a statement that reads: "Sunderland AFC can confirm that Alex Neil has joined Stoke City with immediate effect.
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"The 41-year-old expressed his desire to leave the Club on Friday morning despite signing an improved contract at the Stadium of Light earlier this month.
"SAFC made an immediate offer to further significantly enhance Neil’s terms on Friday afternoon, but he declined this proposal to remain on Wearside and reiterated his desire to leave the Club.
"He has now finalised a move to the bet365 stadium and the process to appoint a new Head Coach is underway."
Sunderland are now on the lookout for a new manager with Sean Dyche, Tony Mowbray and Duncan Ferguson amongst the early frontrunners for the role.
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Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “First and foremost, we want to thank Alex for his contribution to Sunderland AFC.
"The impact he made is clear and he played an integral role in our promotion last season.
"Despite signing revised terms earlier this month and receiving an offer to further improve his contract on Friday, Alex felt this was an opportunity that he wanted to pursue.
"We are extremely disappointed by his departure, but we ultimately respect his decision and we wish him well. The process to appoint a new Head Coach is underway and we will provide a further update to our supporters shortly.”
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