Sunderland have named Tony Mowbray as the club's new head coach following the shock departure of Alex Neil.Mowbray has signed a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light and returns to the Sky Bet Championship after a three-month hiatus following his departure from Blackburn when his contract expired.Neil led the Black Cats back into the second tier through the League One play-offs, but quit to take over at Stoke at the weekend.Mowbray oversaw Sunderland’s final preparations for the side’s game against Rotherham on Wednesday before finalising his move to Wearside.The 58-year-old said: "I grew up in the north east and I always remember my experiences at Roker Park with great fondness – the emotion, passion and size of Sunderland AFC."This is a huge opportunity to continue the good work that has taken place over the past two years and I hope the supporters can see that this football club is on its way back."It is a journey – I’ve just come from Blackburn Rovers and like here, it was a rebuilding process – but we want to win and we will be aggressive."The players must understand what they are fighting for because they are the standard-bearers for the city and, win, lose or draw, we must ensure those who come to watch us see a team that gives everything in every game."