DICK ADVOCAAT has turned down Sunderland's offer of a permanent head coach role.

Having guided the Black Cats to safety in the final two months of the season, Advocaat was offered a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

However, the 68-year-old has opted to take a permanent step away from club management and return to his family home in Holland.

Advocaat said: "At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.

“I would like to thank the Chairman, Lee, the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Sunderland owner Ellis Short, who had wanted Advocaat to remain in his role, said: "Although I am extremely disappointed, I understand and absolutely respect his decision. In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved.”

Black Cats sporting director Lee Congerton, who will be charged with the task of identifying and appointing Advocaat's successor, added: "I know it was a tough decision for Dick to make but he felt that he couldn’t commit to the intense rigours of club management on a longer-term basis and we respect his honesty.

“In his short time here he was fantastic to work with. He had and will continue to have the utmost respect of everyone here at Sunderland.

“I would like to sincerely thank him, along with his assistant Bert van Lingen and coach Zeljko Petrovic for the hard work and dedication they showed in the last two months and they leave with the very best wishes of everyone at the club for their achievements.”