Michael Beale has been confirmed as the new head coach of Sunderland on a contract until the summer of 2026.

The 43-year-old has been named as Tony Mowbray’s successor at the Stadium of Light 11 weeks after being sacked by Rangers.

Sunderland spoke to a series of potential candidates – with Reims boss Will Still thought to be among them – since Mowbray’s departure before deciding on Beale as the right person for the job.

Mike Dodds, who was put in interim charge, will become Beale’s assistant head coach, while Michael Proctor and Alessandro Barcherini will continue in their respective roles.