Sam Allardyce has insisted that he can handle the 'challenges' that come with managing Premier League strugglers Sunderland.

The former West Ham United boss, who left the club in the summer, was officially appointed as the Black Cats' new manager this evening.

The 60-year-old, who played for Sunderland for a season in the 1980s, has signed a two-year deal.

"I have enjoyed my break from football and now I'm raring to get back," Allardyce told the club's official website. "I met with [chairman Ellis Short] and we spoke at length about the club and his ambitions and I knew I wanted to be part of that. I hope to be able to help to bring the stability and success that everyone wants.

"Of course it's a challenging job, but it's something I have experience of in the past. I'm looking forward to working with the players and of course I will be relying on the help of the Sunderland supporters, whose tremendous passion I have experienced first-hand. I can't wait to get started."

Sunderland, who have been searching for a manager since Dick Advocaat resigned last weekend, have failed to win any of their eight league games this season.