Neil stood for the Potters’ 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers yesterday, and was set to take over as manager of the club shortly after the sacking of Michael O’Neill.
Sunderland, who lost 1-0 at home to Norwich, has moved quickly to replace the 41-year-old, after confirming the move would take the former Blackburn’s Mowbray at the top.
Sunderland manager Alex Neill has agreed to take over reigns at Stoke City as soon as possible
Former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray will replace Neil at Light’s Stadium
Sunderland revealed on Friday that he had reluctantly allowed Neil to speak to Stoke after the official approach for his services.
He posted on his website: ‘Sunderland AFC can confirm that Alex Neill has discussed his current managerial vacancy with Stoke City.
‘Following a formal approach by the SCFC, the club is contractually obliged to allow the head coach to initiate negotiations with the potters.’
Negotiations were positive and the move would now be completed after Neil signed a one-year rolling contract with Sunderland in February.
Neil watching from the stands as Stoke beat Blackburn 1-0 in the championship yesterday
Rory Delp (left) will remain in Neil’s backroom staff despite Michael O’Neill’s sacking
He helped the club return to the championship at the end of last season as they won the League One play-off final.
Neal won 50 percent of his time as Sunderland manager with 12 wins from 24 games and earned a hefty pay-raise on the back of an impressive six-month stint at Wareside.
He has previously managed Hamilton and Norwich as well as Preston North End, and was close to taking Stoke’s job at Preston.
Rory Delp and John O’Shea will play their part in the backroom staff of Stoke, who are 17th on the championship table.
