Sunderland have announced that Nick Allamby has joined Phil Parkinson's backroom staff and will work as a physical performance coach with the Black Cats. 

Allamby had previously been working at Bolton Wanderers, but the two League One clubs came to an agreement to see the coach move to the Stadium of Light to reunite with Parkinson.

The coach also worked with Parkinson earlier in his career whilst at Bradford City in a spell that last just under five years at Valley Parade.

Parkinson hasn't got off to the best of starts with the Black Cats this season and he'll be hoping that he can turn their inconsistent run of form around at the earliest of opportunities.

They're currently sat seventh in the League One table after 15 games, and the Sunderland boss will be keen to see some of his key players recapture their best form in the near future.

It remains to be seen as to what area Allamby will be working with in the Sunderland squad, but he could be key to helping the likes of Will Grigg recapture their best form.

The Northern Irishman has only scored two goals so far in all competitions for Phil Parkinson's side, and Grigg will be wanting to recapture the sort of form that saw him fire Wigan to promotion from League One earlier in his career with 19 league goals to his name.

Sunderland are next in action against Gillingham this weekend in the FA Cup, which could prove to be a welcome distraction for Parkinson's side.

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The Verdict: 

It's good to see Parkinson getting his coaching staff back together this season.

Something clearly isn't working for the Sunderland boss at the moment and bringing Allamby could be the difference in turning their poor run of form around heading towards the festive period.

Only time will tell as to whether Parkinson will make a positive impact with Sunderland