'Great manager' - New Sunderland boss Alex Neil given seal of approval by fans of Preston & Norwich

Sunderland have confirmed the appointment of Alex Neil following a lengthy search for Lee Johnson's successor.

He has signed a rolling 12-month contract with the club and will be joined by assistant head coach Martin Canning.

Neil has been out of work since losing his job at Deepdale last year, but previously guided Norwich City to the Premier League after a playoff final victory over Middlesbrough.

Odds on the former Scottish midfielder taking charge on Wearside were slashed on Thursday following the news that the club's number one target Roy Keane was ruled out of contention.

Neil and ex-Hull City boss Grant McCann were the frontrunners for the vacant post, but it is the 40-year-old who has been tasked with reviving the Black Cats' faltering bid for promotion at the fourth time of asking.

Here is how fans of his two former clubs, Preston and Norwich, have been reacting.

“I’m a #pnefc fan. You have got yourselves a good manager there. With more resources he’d have got us promoted. Improves players too.”

“Hope he does as well for your promotion push as he did ours. From nowhere to Wembley and arguably one of the best footballing days for Norwich fans in the past few decades.”

“Expect to see you back in the Championship next year.”

“I absolutely loved him at Preston. Hope he does well for you.”

“So pleased for getting this job at a big club! Great manager! (PNE fan)”

“He’ll be great for you hopefully get you back where you belong.”

“Sunderland getting Alex Neil would be a real coup. His first year turning things around at #ncfc was pretty special, similar situation now at Sunderland, just at a lower level.”

“Sunderland you’ve got yourselves a good’n. Wish you all the best.”