Sunderland look to make key appointment plus Portsmouth boss responds to criticism from club legend

New chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has been quick to make several changes and key appointments behind the scenes since his takeover was confirmed and this is the latest development.

The description of the job reads: “Sunderland AFC is recruiting for a Head of Football Administration to oversee football administration for the football department and deliver high quality support to all the performance domains.

"Reporting to the Sporting Director this position will, lead the football administration personnel ensuring consistency and continuity, lead on all administration processes inclusive of the Senior, Youth and Women’s Teams to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements set by the various football Governing Bodies.

"The successful applicant will have excellent communication and be able to work to accurately work to strict deadlines and maintain absolute discretion in all aspects of the role,” it added.

Sunderland head to Wembley this weekend for the final of the Papa John’s Trophy, they face Tranmere Rovers in the Sunday afternoon 3pm final. Lee Johnson is due to hold his pre-match press conference this lunchtime.

Meanwhile, under-fire Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has responded to criticism of his players from Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips.

Matt Taylor and Kevin Phillips were the Sky pundits watching the 2-0 win for Sunderland on Tuesday and Phillips had questioned the ‘heart and desire’ of the Pompey players.

Responding Jackett said: "The guys are there to do a job and they can only say what they see.

"We’ll accept that. We’re in a position - myself as a manager and the players - to be criticised when you lose games. That’s it.

"The only thing you can do is get that right in the next session and get that right in the next game.

“Criticism obviously hurts but it’s part of it. You have to be able to take that and respond - that’s the most important thing.

“Whatever people’s opinions are, and whether you agree with that or don’t, it’s the next game and the next run of games which count. Ultimately, that’s the way to answer them.”

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