Sunderland replaced Phil Parkinson with Lee Johnson as their coach

Johnson has signed a 30-months contract to supplant the fired Phil Parkinson and will assume responsibility for his first match on Saturday when Wigan visit the Stadium of Light in

EFL League One

.

The 39-year-old told

Oficial website:

“Speaking to Kristjaan (Speakman), Jim (Rodwell) and the owners, I was absolutely blown away by their plans and dreams for the club. I can see so much potential.

“I want to be successful and to see a brave new Sunderland. I want to be bold in my own decisions, I want to be bold for the team in the way that we play and the philosophy that we play to, but I also want the club to make bold decisions and that is what I’ve truly bought into.

“We have to connect the team and the fan base because that can be really powerful at a club like this.”

Sunderland's director of sports added:

“I felt Lee was the outstanding candidate. I believe he understands the complexities of the project and I’m looking forward to supporting him in his role to bring sustained success to the football club.”

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