Sunderland have announced that they have appointed Dick Advocaat as head coach.
The Dutchman has agreed a one-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
Advocaat had previously stated that he was not going to stay on after guiding the Black Cats to Premier League safety last month.
The 67-year-old initially took over as interim head coach after the dismissal of Gus Poyet in March and helped the North-East outfit to a 16th-place finish.
Advocaat has revealed that Sunderland chairman Ellis Short and director of football Lee Congerton persuaded him to return to the club.
"After a lot of discussions with Ellis and Lee, they convinced me that I am the right man for the club," Advocaat told Sunderland's official website.
"It was a great feeling to be part of Sunderland in the last few months, the experience was something very special and after talking with Lee, Ellis and of course my family, we all agree it is the right decision."
Advocaat has managed PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, the Netherlands and Russia during his 28-year career.
Steven Toplis
