Lee Johnson closes in on first addition to Sunderland backroom staff

McAllister was at the Academy of Light on Monday to help Johnson lead his first training session as the club's new Head Coach.

The 42-year-old initially joined Bristol City's coaching ranks as an U23 coach, but was promoted to the senior staff by Johnson in 2017.

The pair went on to forge a close relationship and now look set to be reunited on Wearside.

McAllister was believed to the frontrunner for the managerial vacany at National League side Gloucester City, but has opted to make the move north.

McAllister had initially stated his desire to stay at Ashton Gate following Johnson's departure, but left the club as Dean Holden took charge on a permanent basis this summer.

"Jamie was here today and helped us take training, so that's something that we're looking to do," McAllister said.

There could well be further additions to the backroom staff in the weeks ahead, but Johnson is looking for some element of stability as he gets to grips with the challenge ahead.

Though assistant Steve Parkin left with Phil Parkinson a week ago, first-team coach Andrew Taylor and goalkeeping coach Lee Butler remained.

Highly-rated Head of Sports Science Nick Allamby also remains at the club after being appointed in the aftermath of Parkinson's 2019 arrival.

"I think that it's important that we have some stability with the staff," Johnson said.

"We want to make sure that everyone has that security in the process, then in turn, just like the players, they can express their personality and bring out their unique selling points.

"I've just said to them to bring their best qualities out.

"If you're brilliant at talking one to one with the players and making them feel special, do lots of that.

"If like Lee Butler you have great personality and can be the life and soul of it, bring that.

"Bring your USP to your table and then it's up to us to communicate.

"You can't over communicate in this early stage, so they can see that I'm after, and I can see what they're after from me."

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