Sunderland have appointed former Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill as Steve Bruce’s successor.

Former Manchester United defender Bruce was fired on the 30th of November due his side’s lack of form.

O’Neill told his new club’s official website: “It’s a very nice feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of Sunderland. It’s a big moment for me.

“I’d heard about what a good club it was but coming here, seeing the stadium and training ground, I’ve been bowled over. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“I hope I can help Sunderland to very successful period. That’s what I’ve come for and that’s my driving ambition.”

Queens Park Rangers made deadline day swoops for Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips and Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand.

Both players arrive for undisclosed fees and have penned three-year contracts at Loftus Road.

QPR manager Neil Warnock told his club’s official website: “I’m just really excited that we’ve been able to attract a player like Shaun to the Club.

“Right from day one, him and Joey Barton were at the top of our list and we’ve managed to get both of them, so I couldn’t be more pleased.

“He’s got a great attitude, a great character and he just wants to improve and impress as a footballer.

“Shaun’s so positive and that’s what we’re looking for from all players that join QPR.”

He added: “Anton’s a player that I have always admired.

“He’s got so much to offer. When you look at centre-halves in this country, you won’t see much better than Anton on a good day.

“I’m going to try and give him more good days than bad! He’s got to work very, very hard, but I see a lot in him.

“He’s got a lot still to prove and hopefully he’s with the right team to do that with.”

Sunderland have taken defender Wes Brown from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old centre-half has committed his future to the Premiership club for the next four years.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce told his club’s official website: “We are delighted to welcome a player of Wes’ ability, experience and character to the club.

“He has been a fantastic professional for Manchester United through the years and not only will he strengthen our defensive options, he will also bring with him a winning mentality and level of maturity which can only be positive for the players around him.”

Brown added: “Making the move has been alright. I’m a bit older I’ve not really had many problems in that sense.

“It was disappointing that I didn’t really play that much at Manchester United over the last couple of seasons so just to know that I’ll be back playing will be great.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Sunderland have raided Manchester United for a second time this week by signing defender/midfielder John O’Shea for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old Irish international, who signed a contract until 2015, follows United team-mate Wes Brown to the Stadium of Light.

O’Shea told his new club’s official website: “I was at Manchester United for 13 years and they were 13 fantastic years.

“But this is a nice new exciting chapter for me now and hopefully we can have good times with Sunderland like I had at Manchester United.

“When I spoke to Steve [Bruce], the [Sunderland] manager, and heard his ideas and the ambition he has shown this summer in the players he is signing and the improvements he wants to make at the club and the strides he wants to make to go forward, I am just looking forward to being a part of it now.”

He added: “I am coming to Sunderland now after one of their most successful seasons in the Premier League.

“It’s always the aim with every team is to improve on the season before.

“That’s what, I am sure, the manager will be drilling into us in pre-season, that we want to improve on the season before, and if we can do that, I’m sure the club and the fans will be delighted.”