Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook reveals influence of Peter Reid and why his return would be 'fantastic' for Sunderland

Both Latics manager Cook and Reid - who has been part of the coaching staff on a voluntary basis since the summer - have been linked with the job following the sacking of Simon Grayson.

Cook has guided high-flying Wigan to second in League One and while he is happy where he is, he wouldn't stand in Reid's way.

Cook told the Wigan Post: "As a manager, if you’re doing well, then there will be speculation. All the speculation is good, but I’m very happy to be here.

"I’m very lucky at this club to be backed by a lot of good people, and together we have one target – and I think everyone knows what that is.

"I’m more than happy here, and I can only reiterate that time and time again."

Reid, who enjoyed a highly successful seven-year spell as Sunderland boss between 1995 and 2002, hasn’t managed in English football since an ill-fated spell at Plymouth Argyle ended in 2011 but recently returned to the game in an advisory capacity with Wigan.

And Cook has hailed his influence.

Cook added: "For Peter, it’s fantastic. I’ve said before I think it’s an absolute crime someone like Peter wasn’t involved in and around a football club.

"The experience, the enthusiasm, the knowledge...he was first in this morning, watching videos on Crawley.

"If someone like Sunderland did look to go down that road, I’d be very much for it and I think he’d be fantastic for Sunderland. We talk about football for hours.

"People wondered when Peter arrived what kind of a role he would have. But there was never any specific role. It was just about having Peter in the football club.

"I think the chairman and Peter kick each other in the directors box when the game’s going on, it’s like that. It’s invaluable having someone like him to bounce off. Every day with Peter you’re learning something.

"I might have been tough on one of the lads, but then you’ll see Peter whispering in his ear later, offering something else. As a football person, I enjoy football people, and Peter is a real football person."

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