Former Sunderland midfieder Lee Cattermole has signed a one-year deal with Dutch club VVV-Venlo.

Cattermole, 31, left Sunderland during the summer after a decade at the club, having returned to his native north-east from Wigan during 2009.

Following some 261 appearances for the Black Cats, the midfielder is relishing the opportunities ahead in Holland following a successful trial with the Eredivisie club.

"The club arrived at the right time. For me it offers a new chance," Cattermole said on www.vvv-venlo.nl.

"I am very happy that after so many seasons in England I can now work in the Netherlands at a beautiful Eredivisie club such as VVV-Venlo.

"With my experience I can contribute to the development of this young team. I want to move forward with VVV."

Cattermole impressed during his training sessions and Venlo technical director Stan Valckx hopes the veteran midfielder will help bring on the club's young squad.

"In addition to his footballing qualities, his zest for work, he brings with him a whole lot of football experience and knowledge of the football world," Valckx said.

"Our young players, in particular, can in turn learn from that. You immediately saw it in the training sessions – Lee coaches a lot and puts the organisation down well in midfield.

"At 31, he is an absolute reinforcement for our selection."