On this day in Premier League history: 10 October
Looking back at BPL history, we recall the former Leeds manager succeeding Peter Reid
10 October 2002 - Wilkinson named as new Sunderland manager
Howard Wilkinson was named as Sunderland's new manager just two days after the departure of predecessor Peter Reid.
Wilkinson left his role as England technical director to take the job and appointed Steve Cotterill as his assistant.
He had previously been in charge at Leeds United, winning the First Division title in 1991/92, the last season before the start of the Barclays Premier League.
The Black Cats were struggling in 17th place in the table when Wilkinson took charge and he said: "I relish the challenge ahead here and I am looking forward to working closely with Steve to develop what is on paper already a strong squad."
"We will prepare the players in a way that's as modern and forward-thinking as anywhere in the world, but that alone is not the answer. We have to make sure that physically they are well-prepared and tactically well-prepared and also mentally well-prepared."
Wilkinson had to wait until his fourth BPL match for his first win in the competition with the Black Cats but results did not pick up as he had hoped.
He led the side to two victories in 20 league matches before he and Cotterill were relieved of their jobs in the middle of March.
The season ended with 15 consecutive Barclays Premier League defeats for the Black Cats, with the last nine taking place after Wilkinson's departure, and Sunderland's points total of 19 was the third worst in BPL history as they got relegated.
Mick McCarthy took charge for the closing weeks of the season and Wilkinson went on to manage Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
He is currently the chairman of the League Managers' Association.