A whole host of World Cup Qualifiers this Saturday, including Kazakhstan v England and Azerbaijan v Wales. Click here for every match and all the BestPrice betting.

Sunderland have confirmed former Wigan boss Steve Bruce as their new manager.

The 48-year-old has signed a three-year contract to succeeed Ricky Sbragia, who stood down at the end of last season.

A statement on Wigan’s official website read: “A compensation fee has been agreed between the two clubs, freeing Bruce to move to the Stadium of Light.

“The deal also includes assistant manager, Eric Black.”

Chairman Niall Quinn welcomed his appointment, saying “Steve knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region, and I’m confident that he will be able to instill into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club.”

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said everyone associated with the club would be “devastated” to see Bruce leave, but thanked him for their contribution to the club.

“What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent,” he said.

“After a period of instability he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.

“Everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different.

“But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in anyone’s way who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan Athletic.

“What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.

“We finished in our second highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward.

“As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days.

“We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly. We will make a statement when an appointment has been made.”

The appointment of former Manchester United defender Bruce is the first significant change at Sunderland since American businessman Ellis Short took total control of the club at the end of the season.

A whole host of World Cup Qualifiers this Saturday, including Kazakhstan v England and Azerbaijan v Wales. Click here for every match and all the BestPrice betting.

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