SUNDERLAND have confirmed Tony Coton’s return to Wearside as the club’s new head of recruitment.

Coton spent six months at Roker Park as a player before a broken leg brought a premature end to his playing career.

He moved into coaching, spending time as Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach, but made a successful move into player recruitment that saw him act as a scout at both Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.

He has most recently been operating as the chief scout at Aston Villa, and will head up a new-look recruitment team that has been extensively remodelled since Stewart Donald replaced Ellis Short as Sunderland’s owner.

“I am delighted to welcome Tony to Sunderland,” said Donald. “Recruitment is fundamental for any football club, and in Tony we have a man with significant experience and contacts in this vital area.

“He is passionate, honest and hard working – the exact qualities we want in anyone coming to this football club. He has a tremendous knowledge of English football and understands what characteristics are required, on and off the pitch, to achieve success.

“Tony played a vital role in reshaping Aston Villa’s squad and ensuring it was equipped to do well in the Football League. Working alongside Jack (Ross), his appointment will help ensure we can hit the ground running and attract the right type of players to Sunderland.”

Coton will work closely with Ross to help reshape Sunderland’s squad this summer. Hibernian duo John McGinn and Dylan McGeouch remain leading targets, along with Ross County full-back Jason Naismith, who worked under Ross during his time at St Mirren.

“I am incredibly excited about returning to Sunderland as a new era starts and the rebuilding begins,” said Coton. “Having met Jack Ross, I have been hugely impressed by his vision of how he wants his Sunderland team to play and I am enthused by the challenge of bringing in the players we need to realise that vision.

“Between Jack, myself and the rest of the recruitment staff, I am confident we can help build a team that can take the club forward and I am excited to get started.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland have confirmed three pre-season friendlies that will kick off Ross’ reign. The Black Cats will take on Darlington at Blackwell Meadows on Wednesday, July 11 (7.30pm), before travelling to Victoria Park to face Hartlepool United on Saturday, July 14 (3pm). They will also play Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on Tuesday, July 17 (7.30pm).