New Sunderland manager David Moyes was in the stands to watch his side defeat Rotherham 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, just hours after his appointment was confirmed.
Moyes wasted no time in getting down to business after being confirmed as Sam Allardyce’s successor at the Stadium of Light and was greeted with a warm welcome from the travelling Sunderland supporters at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The former Everton and Manchester United manager signed a four-year deal at Sunderland on Saturday morning, replacing Allardyce, who was confirmed as the new England manager on an initial two-year contract on Friday.
Moyes, who had been out of work since being sacked by Real Sociedad in November, took his place in the directors’ box and once again acknowledged the supporters, waving to them from his position in the stands.
Jermain Defoe, Lamine Kone, Patrick Van Aanholt and Jack Rodwell were among the starters, with caretaker manager Paul Bracewell opting to pick a strong line-up against their Sky Bet Championship opponents.
Sunderland dominated the early exchanges, but had to wait until the 29th minute before taking the lead, Fabio Borini firing his shot past Lee Camp following good work from trialist Charles N’Zogbia.
The Black Cats were pegged back shortly after the half-time interval, with young forward Jerry Yates lashing his close range effort beyond Vito Mannone in the 47th minute to bring Rotherham level.
But the away side would secure victory in front of their new manager four minutes from the end, with former Newcastle winger N’Zogbia sending a powerful low shot from the edge of the penalty box past Camp.
Moyes, who showed his appreciation to the Sunderland supporters on the pitch at full-time, will be able take an even closer look at his squad when he flies out with them to France on Sunday as they begin their preparations for the new Premier League season together.
SKYSPORTS
About the Author
