Bridges’ Bain claim of Postecoglou in the frame

Michael Bridges has claimed Ange Postecoglou was in the frame to take the reins at Sunderland in 2018.

The Stadium of Light hot seat was vacant following the sacking of Simon Grayson when Sunderland were in the Championship.

Postecoglou is close to being appointed as Neil Lennon's Parkhead successor at Celtic.

But the 55-year-old GreekAustralian manager was reportedly in consideration by then Sunderland CEO Martin Bain in 2018.

And former Sunderland andLeedsUnitedstrikerBridgeshasrevealedthatamovewas close.

Speaking of Postecoglou, Bridges said: "I've seen Ange grow as a coach. I've seen what he's done at club level, with the national team, what he's gone and done in Japan.

"He's absolutely incredible. "There was an opportunity during the Sunderland Netflix documentary (Sunderland Til I Die), there was a guy there, a CEO called Martin Bain.

"Halfway through the season,IgotaphonecalloffMartin Bain,knowingIwasanex-Sunderland player, knowing that I was living in Australia.

"He wanted a reference on Ange Postecoglou because Ange was in the frame for the job.

"I gave Ange a glowing report. He (Bain) actually said, 'I don't know, I've never heard of this guy'.

"I said, 'well do your research for one, mate. Have a look at what he's won, have a look at what he's all about. He is perfect for Sunderland Football Club at this moment intime,hecanstartyouafresh'.

"Their reaction was, 'I need a big name for the fans'.

"That really irked me.”