Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson is reportedly planning to return to his former club Bolton Wanderers for some coaching reinforcements.
The 52-year-old took over at the Stadium of Light last week, stepping into the vacancy left by the sacking of Jack Ross.
Parkinson was appointed as the Black Cats boss just under two months after resigning as Bolton manager.
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The English coach did a very respectable job with the Trotters amidst some serious financial issues and off-field struggles but was unable to stop them from getting relegated from the Championship last season.
It appears he is set to raid Bolton for reinforcements as, according to the Bolton News, the League One club are setting themselves for an approach from Sunderland for goalkeeping coach Lee Butler and fitness coach Nick Allamby.
It is believed that the new Black Cats boss wants the duo to join him at his new club but that Bolton and Sunderland are yet to come to a formal agreement.
Both coaches joined the Trotters from Bradford City alongside Parkinson but remained at the club after he resigned in August.
New Bolton boss Keith Hill admitted to the Bolton News that there could be a change of staff at the club.
He said: "Potentially, but there’s nothing that is 100 percent guaranteed.
"We have a plan and would obviously need people to replace them. But we’re happy to deal with that situation if and when it develops.”
Parkinson suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in his first game as Sunderland boss.
The Verdict
This looks like a sensible move from Parkinson, as he will likely feel having his people around him will increase his chances of success.
I don't think it will be a huge blow for Hill either, as it will allow him to select his own coaching staff.
Parkinson appears to have been quite an unpopular appointment amongst Sunderland fans but given that he has won promotion from League One three times I think he is someone who deserves their backing.