Sunderland move towards appointment of former Bristol City boss as new Head Coach

The Black Cats want to appoint the former Bristol City boss as part of a major rebuild of the club’s footballing operations.

The decision to part company with Phil Parkinson was part of a wider move to improve the club’s long-term strategy on and off the pitch.

Kristjaan Speakman is expected to be named as the club’s technical director, and will work closely with the new Head Coach.

Johnson brought through a number of young players during his time at Ashton Gate, with many sold on for a significant profit to Premier League clubs.

The former Barnsley and Oldham boss consolidated their position in the Championship and if appointed, will be tasked not just with improving results, but the club’s overall footballing strategy.

A deal is not yet done, and is understood to not be as advanced as the move to appoint Speakman.