Alex Neil: Sunderland boss leaves to become Stoke City's new manager

Former Hamilton and Norwich manager Neil joined Sunderland from Preston in February and led them to promotion through the play-offs

Stoke City have appointed Alex Neil as manager following his departure from Championship rivals Sunderland.

The 41-year-old Scot succeeds Michael O'Neill as the Potters' fourth boss on a permanent basis since being relegated from the Premier League in 2018.

Bellshill-born Neil, who began his managerial career with Hamilton Academical in 2013, only moved to Wearside in February.

But he led the Black Cats to promotion in the League One play-off final.

Stoke joint-chairman John Coates said Neil was the club's "number one choice" in the search for a new manager.

"I'm delighted we have secured his services so quickly," he said.

"His managerial pedigree is excellent with three promotions already on his CV and we are looking forward to working closely with him to help him realise the ambitions that he and the club share."

Earlier in his career, Neil, who has signed a three-year contract, spent just over two years at Norwich, leading the Canaries to promotion to the Premier League in 2015, just four months after arriving in January.

After suffering relegation in their one season in the top flight, he left in March 2017 when Norwich - second in October - won just seven of their next 24 Championship games to drop to eighth as they missed out on a swift return.

He was only out of work four months before being recruited in July 2017 by another Championship side, Preston, as successor to Simon Grayson.

Neil led North End to finishes of seventh, 14th and ninth before departing Deepdale in March 2021.

How it all unfolded

Neil's first game as Stoke boss will be at home to Swansea City on Wednesday.

It will be his second successive appearance at the bet365 Stadium - just 11 days after overseeing Sunderland's 1-0 win, the defeat that cost O'Neill his job and also proved to be Neil's last in charge of the Wearsiders.

Alex Neil was at Ewood Park to watch Blackburn Rovers' home game with Stoke

Neil had already been given permission to hold talks with the Potters - and he was not present for Saturday's home defeat by Norwich, when Sunderland assistant manager Martin Canning was in the dugout at the Stadium of Light, assisted by coaches Mike Dodds, Michael Proctor and goalkeeping coach Alessandro Barcherini.

Instead, Neil headed to Lancashire to watch Stoke win at Blackburn - as the Potters - in the hands of O'Neill's former number two Dean Holden, who parted company with the club after the match - picked up their first away points since April.

Neil overachieved at Sunderland

Analysis - Nick Barnes, BBC Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

What he achieved at Sunderland has been remarkable in a short space of time. Many would say he has overachieved.

A: To get them promoted. Even though they were third in the table there was a big question mark as to whether they would get over the line.

B: What they've achieved so far this season in the Championship, with such a young squad.

They've certainly embraced the Championship and probably over reached themselves in terms of everyone's expectations.

He's single minded. When he came in last season his only focus was the next game. Entirely pragmatic, he has managed to bond the team and created a phenomenal team spirit.

Mowbray considered for boss

Ian Dennis, BBC 5 Live's chief football reporter

Former Celtic, Blackburn, Middlesbrough and West Brom manager Tony Mowbray is one of several names being considered as the next manager of Sunderland.

Sunderland will be looking for a manager who develops young players and Mowbray, with his track record, will certainly appeal.

Blackburn, in the Championship under Mowbray last season, had the second-youngest side in the division and his experience is another factor which will stand him in good stead to succeed Neil.