Ex-Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy seals return to management - in surprise European role

McCarthy, who managed the Black Cats between 2003 and 2006 and led the club to the Championship title in 2005, has been out of work since leaving his post as Republic of Ireland manager earlier this year.

But he has now stepped into the dugout once more, albeit in a surprising role.

APOEL – who finished third in Cyprus’ top flight last season and were knocked-out in Europa League qualifiers - have confirmed that McCarthy has been appointed as the club’s manager on a contract until May 2022.

He will be joined at the club by long-time assistant Terry Connor.

A statement released by APOEL said: “The company APOEL FOOTBALL (PUBLIC) LTD announces the beginning of its cooperation with coach Mick McCarthy.

"The collaboration lasts 19 months until May 2022. Assistant coach Terry Connor will be added to the coaching staff.

"We welcome both of them to APOEL and we wish them to immediately help the team return to good and substantial performances so that it can claim to the end its goals which are to win titles.”

McCarthy has not previously managed a club side overseas, with his last managerial stint away from the international stage coming at Ipswich Town, whom he left in April 2018 having previously announced his desire to leave the role at the end of the 2017/18 season.

And he will face a tough task at APOEL, who currently sit seventh in the Cypriot First Division after an underwhelming start to the campaign.

But the side do have some recognisable names in their ranks – including former Sheffield Wednesday striker Atdhe Nuhiu and full-back Emilio Nsue, formerly of Middlesbrough.

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