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Sunderland refused to give up even after Advocaat announced he would be leaving and have persuaded the Dutchman to change his mind. Advocaat said his decision followed talks with the owner, Ellis Short, and sporting director, Lee Congerton.
“After a lot of discussions with Ellis and Lee, they convinced me that I am the right man for the club,” he told the club’s website. “It was a great feeling to be part of Sunderland in the last few months, the experience was something very special and after talking with Lee, Ellis and of course my family, we all agree it is the right decision.”
Advocaat kept the club in the Premier League after succeeding Gus Poyet but said last week he no longer wanted a career in club management. His wife had been keen for him to retire.
“At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now,” Advocaat said last Wednesday. His initial contract ran only until the end of the season.
His change of heart is a significant boost for the club. Congerton said: “Dick was always our No1 choice and we were determined we weren’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer. I have been in constant contact with him over the last two weeks and I’m absolutely delighted that he has agreed to return.
“In just a short space of time he has bought into the club wholeheartedly and understands exactly what we need now in order to move forward. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for the season ahead and that starts in earnest now.”
That seems likely to include a significant overhaul of the squad. Advocaat outlined last month he would need to buy five or six quality players to avoid another fight against relegation.
Short said: “Dick’s credentials in football are top class and we saw what an impact his vast knowledge and experience had on our team and the club as a whole in just two months. Sunderland fans took him to their hearts and so did everyone at the club, so we are absolutely thrilled that he will be here longer term.”
