Shock appointment confirmed as Newcastle recruit former Sunderland boss - Official statement
Newcastle United have announced that former Sunderland boss Jack Ross has joined the club's Academy as interim Head of Coach Development.
Ross arrives on a 'short-term basis' and will work alongside Academy director Steve Harper, with this coming after Neil Winkskill moved to a coaching role at U21 level.
The Scot was appointed as manager of Sunderland in the summer of 2018 after the club had just been relegated from the Championship, but was later sacked in October 2019 when the Black Cats were sitting sixth in League One.
Since then, he's had spells in the SPL with Hibernian and Dundee United; where he was dismissed in August last year following a 9-0 defeat to Celtic.
Official Newcastle United statement (via NUFC.co.uk) and comments from Steve Harper:
'Newcastle United are pleased to announce that Jack Ross has joined the club's Academy as interim Head of Coach Development on a short-term basis.
'Jack will work closely with the club's Academy director, Steve Harper, and management team to provide support to the Academy's coaching structure and players in the Under-9 to Under-16 age groups.
'Steve Harper said: "Jack is a very experienced manager, coach and coach educator. His knowledge and experience will be of huge benefit to us during his time here."
'Jack's arrival follows Neil Winskill's deployment to a coaching role with the Magpies' Under-21 side.
'Born in Falkirk, Jack made more than 300 league appearances as a player in Scotland, as well as spending time at Hartlepool United.
'As a coach, he has overseen almost 300 senior games at clubs including Alloa Athletic, St Mirren, Sunderland, Hibernian and Dundee United.'
