Jack Ross has been confirmed as Sunderland's new manager on a two-year deal.

The former St Mirren boss will be joined at the Stadium of Light by assistant manager James Fowler.

As the move to the English League One club was confirmed, 41-year-old Ross expressed his "sincere gratitude" to people at St Mirren for the experiences of the past 20 months. 

Ross said the players and staff at Saints had "worked tirelessly" to support his work and were "relentless in their pursuit of success and their desire to drive the club forwards"

He added: "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. 

"The days at Easter Road last May and the Saturdays 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."

St Mirren's board of directors has thanked Ross for his contribution since taking over as manager in October 2016. 

A spokesperson said: "Jack helped the club retain its place in the Ladbrokes Championship in his first year in charge, when relegation to the third tier had seemed inevitable, before leading the club to the Championship title and promotion back to the Premiership. 

"The club would also like to express its gratitude to Jack for ensuring that St Mirren FC were protected at all times and commend his commitment to the job throughout periods of speculation.

"We wish Jack every success in his new challenge at Sunderland. 

"We can also confirm that James Fowler will leave the club to join Jack at Sunderland. We would like to also thank James for his hard work and dedication in his time as assistant manager and wish him the best in the new challenge.

"The St Mirren board has already began the formal process of recruiting a new manager and will keep supporters updated through official club channels."

Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald said he is "absolutely delighted" to have secured the services of Jack, who won the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award for the 2017/18 season.

He added: "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."