JACK Ross has signed a two-year deal to take over as the new manager of Sunderland.

The 41-year-old was named as PFA Scotland Manager of the Year for 2017/18 after guiding St Mirren to the Championship title.

He will be joined by assistant manager James Fowler at the Stadium of Light. 

Read more: Steven Thompson: Jack Ross can succeed in England, and Jim Goodwin can replace him at St Mirren​

Ross now faces the daunting task of arresting Sunderland’s slide and leading the Black Cats back to the Championship after two successive relegations.

The former Alloa boss wrote a message to St Mirren fans after his departure was confirmed.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to so many people involved at St Mirren FC for the experiences of the past 20 months," he said.

"To my players and staff who have worked tirelessly to support the work we do and who have been relentless in their pursuit of success and their desire to drive the club forwards.

"To the chairman Gordon Scott and directors Alan Wardrop, Chris Stewart and David Nicol for their willingness and indeed patience to help meet my demands for excellence at the club, and to Chief Executive Tony Fitzpatrick and my guru Gavin Whyte for their incredible backing and unwavering faith in me. 

"To the fantastic support I cannot thank you enough for sticking with me, backing us in our hour of need and then joining us on the terrific journey of the past season and a half.

"I am immensely proud that I have helped to give you your club back and I have always said that your unwavering passion for your club was there long before me and will continue long after my time. 

"It has not been an easy decision to leave a club and a job which I loved but I have been offered an exciting career opportunity of which the challenge of I look forward to meeting. 

"The days at Easter Road last May, and the Saturday's 21st and 28th April at our stadium and in the town will be memories I will always treasure and I wish all Buddies every future success."

Read more: Steven Thompson: Jack Ross can succeed in England, and Jim Goodwin can replace him at St Mirren​

Ross departed Alloa to join St Mirren in October 2016 and oversaw a turnaround in form that ensured the Paisley club avoided relegation to League One.

He then led his side back to the top-flight, securing the title with three games to spare and finishing 12 points ahead of second-placed Livingston.

Sunderland finished bottom of the Championship, just a year after dropping out of the Premier League.

Black Cats chairman Stewart Donald welcomed Ross to the club in a statement.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Jack as our new manager. Jack is excited to be a part of the future we are building here, and the fact he turned down lucrative offers from elsewhere, including clubs currently in a higher division than ourselves, is testament to his commitment and desire to succeed at this club and his belief in our vision for the future.

“He joins us following an excellent start to his managerial career, including a memorable 2017-18 campaign with St Mirren, and was deeply impressive throughout the recruitment process. We have acted swiftly and the hard work now continues in earnest as we look towards the ultimate goal of getting Sunderland AFC back to where it should be.”