Dick Advocaat turns down Sunderland role

Dick Advocaat has revealed that he has turned down the opportunity to manage Sunderland on a permanent basis.

The former Netherlands manager joined the Black Cats in March, and helped them beat the drop from the Premier League at the end of the season.

Advocaat has now informed the Black Cats that he will not take up the full-time role, as he plans to retire from management.

"At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody," The 68-year-old told the club's website.

"I would like to thank the chairman (Ellis Short), Lee (Congerton, sporting director), the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career." 

Sunderland are now in the search for a new head coach, and Watford's Slavisa Jokanovic is the latest to be linked with the vacancy.