Former Sunderland midfielder Stefan Schwarz has declared his interest in succeeding David Moyes as manager at the Stadium of Light.

Moyes vacated the position earlier this week after his only season in charge ended in the club finishing bottom of the Premier League.

The Black Cats are now searching for a new manager as they prepare for life in the Championship and former player Schwarz, who represented the club for four years between 1999 and 2003, has now revealed his interest.

“I spent four very good years at Sunderland and it is a club that I care very much for,” Schwarz told the Evening Chronicle.

“I have played for some very big clubs in Europe and won a lot of trophies, but my time at Sunderland is right up there with any of those.

“I think I understand the mentality of the Sunderland fans and the culture of the area. Sunderland teams have to have an identity and the players need to know their duties and responsibilities to each other.

“I also know how to work with players from many different cultures which is important in the modern game. Of course if the chance came to manage Sunderland, I would be very interested.”

Schwarz has a lack of managerial experience although he does hold a FIFA Pro Licence while he has also worked as an assistant manager with both Helsingborgs and Sweden’s Under-21 side.

Sunderland have not played in the second tier of English football since 2007 although their last two campaigns at that level have resulted in automatic promotion back to the Premier League.