Dick Advocaat has performed a U-turn and signed a one-year contract as head coach at Sunderland.
The 67-year-old Dutchman left the Premier League club at the end of the season after stating he no longer wanted to continue his career in club management.
Many of the players expressed their regret at Advocaat’s departure after he helped to steer the team to top-flight safety with a game to spare having taken over from the sacked Gus Poyet in March.
He was offered a three-year contract to remain at the Stadium of Light, but after opting not to accept, it now appears he has had a change of heart.
On May 28, Advocaat said: "At certain moments in your life, you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.
"I would like to thank the chairman, Lee, the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career."
Striker Jermain Defoe said earlier this week he was one of several players upset to see Advocaat leave the club.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "He had a job to do when he came in and he did what was required.
"I think the fans would have loved to have seen him stay on, and probably most of the players. I made a few jokes, like 'I'll see you next season', and he sort of laughed it off."
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