Sbragia accepts new role at Sunderland

Former Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has been appointed as Steve Bruce’s new chief scout.

The Black Cats today confirmed the Scot had agreed to head up the club’s coaching set-up after being promised a job for life following his stint as first-team boss last season.

Bruce said: “Ricky has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I’m delighted that he will be heading up our scouting operation.

“He has a vast network of contacts and he knows just what it takes to be a successful footballer at this club, so I’m sure he will be a fantastic asset to our backroom team.”