SUNDERLAND AFC have appointed Simon Wilson as chief football officer.

He will join the Black Cats on January 1, after ten years at Manchester City.

The new role will support chief executive Martin Bain and manager David Moyes to create and drive a cohesive approach to all areas of the club’s football operations.

During his time at Manchester City, Wilson held the position of director of football services, working across the City Group family of clubs. Prior to this, he spent four years at Southampton FC.

Sunderland AFC chief executive Martin Bain said: “In Simon, we are bringing someone to the club who has highly impressive track record of putting the building blocks in place in order to give clubs the best chance of achieving success.