McAllister delighted to be with Johnson again at Sunderland

SUNDERLAND have confirmed Jamie McAllister has joined Lee Johnson as his assistant at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats appointed former City boss Johnson in December and the ex-Robins midfielder has now been officially joined by one of his right-hand men from BS3.

Former Aberdeen and Bristol City defender McAllister joins Johnson’s backroom team after they both departed Ashton Gate last season - Johnson after a 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City, and ‘Macca’ following the end of the campaign and due to a reshuffle in the coaching staff at Ashton Gate.

McAllister, pictured, was widely tipped to head to the North East and now his appointment has been clarified by his new club.

Speaking about his appointment, McAllister said: “I have worked with the gaffer for the past four or five years, so I know how he works, and I understand his philosophies and style,” he said.

“The potential here is fantastic and everybody has a part to play - our role is to create a culture and identity that provides the spark to take this club back where it belongs. We have great fans behind us and we want to reward that support, not only with winning football, but enjoyable football.”

Johnson, who played 174 league games for Bristol City before managing them for four years, added: “Having worked with Jamie previously during our time at Bristol City, I have a full and thorough understanding of his qualities on and off the pitch. He will be a huge asset for Sunderland AFC.”

McAllister turned down the Gloucester City job to join up at Sunderland - and now carries on as an assistant head coach in League One instead.

The former defender, who made 186 league appearances for the Robins, was also Bristol City’s Under-21 boss in 2016 before an internal promotion to assistant head coach.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Following Lee’s arrival, it was imperative that we appointed the right assistant head coach to fit the profile we had established.

“Having spoken extensively to Jamie, we felt he fitted the criteria - on and off the pitch - and I look forward to working closely with him as part of the team we’re putting in place.”