LEE JOHNSON admits watching Dickman join Sunderland’s Wear-Tyne rivals Newcastle United was a ‘bitter pill to swallow’, but will not be bearing any grudges towards his former colleague.

Dickman left his role as Sunderland's Under-23s boss yesterday to take on a similar role at Newcastle.

The coach had spent 26 years with the Black Cats as both a player and member of the backroom team, and his departure leaves a gap that Sunderland will look to fill as quickly as possible.

Johnson said: "On a personal level, I’m disappointed. I’ve really enjoyed working with Elliott. He’s a really good guy, and he’s been part of the furniture here for 26 years.

“He’s passionate about developing players, so I can understand that he’s got suitors. He’s obviously made the decision he feels is right for his family, and was probably across a number of reasonings.

“We’re disappointed in one sense because it’s the local rivals. Had it been Man United who took him, it might not have been such a bitter pill to swallow.

"But at the same time, we’re really grateful for his efforts and hard work and wish him all the best in the future. He’ll always be welcome back.”