Sunderland have appointed Steve Bruce as their new manager after he agreed to leave Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic. Bruce, who spent the bulk of his playing career at Manchester United, has managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Wigan twice, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City since retiring as a player in 1999.
Meanwhile Dick Advocaat has confirmed he is leaving Zenit St Petersburg to become the coach of Belgium. The Dutchman has turned down the offer of a new deal with the Russian side to return to the international scene. "I have told them that pressing me is no use. I have chosen to be the coach of Belgium," Advocaat said yesterday.
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