TONY Mowbray will become the new head coach of Sunderland replacing Alex Neil in the dugout after successful talks over the weekend.

Following conversations with the Black Cats hierarchy, free agent Mowbray has been chosen as the successor to Neil who completed his switch to Championship rivals Stoke City on Sunday. The 58-year-old was in attendance for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Norwich City at the Stadium of Light which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

The appointment could be confirmed by the Black Cats later today but he is not expected to be in charge of their Championship tie against Rotherham United.

MK Dons boss Liam Manning was also being linked with the vacant position linked but Sunderland have opted to go with experience for the role in Mowbray, a man who has been in football management for nearly 20 years predominantly in the Championship.

His first game in charge is likely to be in the Tees-Wear derby against his beloved Middlesbrough, who he managed between 2010 and 2013. He has also had spells in charge of Hibernian, West Brom, Celtic, Coventry City and most recently with Blackburn Rovers where he left at the end of last season after just missing out on play-offs.