SUNDERLAND have appointed David Preece as their new goalkeeping coach ahead of the League One season. 

Preece, 44, came through the academy ranks with Sunderland in 1994 but never made a first-team appearance for the Black Cats. He then moved a short distance south of Wearside to join Darlington in 1997 where he'd go on to make over 100 appearances. 

He also featured for Aberdeen, Barnsley and Lincoln City throughout his playing career before linking signing a deal with the Imps to also become their goalkeeping coach. 

Sunderland have been on the lookout for a replacement for Lee Butler, who left he Black Cats last month to be part of the coaching staff at League One rivals Ipswich Town. 

Preece told the club website: “It would be an understatement to say that I'm delighted to be back at the club.

"I’m looking forward to the season ahead and all I want to do now is to get to work alongside the great staff and players already in place and do whatever I can to help the club progress."