Sunderland's promotion rivals Ipswich Town appoint Paul Cook to replace Paul Lambert

Paul Cook during his Wigan Atheltic days.

The Tractor Boys have today announced that former Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook will take the reins at Portman Road.

The 54-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2023.

Cook was linked with the Sunderland job after Phil Parkinson’s sacking by the bookies and spoke openly about the challenges of managing the Black Cats before the appointment of Lee Johnson.

Ipswich are currently ninth in League One before tonight's fixtures and sit four points behind Sunderland, who occupy fifth ahead of tonight's clash against Swindon Town.

Indeed, Cook has experience in the third-tier having guided the Latics to the League One title in 2018 after winning League Two with Portsmouth the year before.

“First I want to wish Paul [Lambert] and Stuart [Taylor] all the best for the future. I know them both and it’s a hard business, football,” Cook told the Ipswich's website.

“It’s been a quick turnaround with zoom meetings with the owner but Marcus has given me the opportunity to manage what is a great football club and that is a massive honour for me and my family.

“I’m proud to be in this position and I’ll be doing everything possible to repay the faith Marcus has shown in me.

“Winning promotion this season is the immediate target. It will be a big challenge but it’s a challenge that everyone at the Club has a part to play in.”