Ex-Hearts defender Jamie McAllister lands key Sunderland role under former Tynecastle team-mate

Jamie McAllister has joined Sunderland as assistant manager. Picture: SNS

The 42-year-old will work under former Tynecastle midfielder Lee Johnson.

Johnson was installed as Phil Parkinson’s replacement earlier this month after being sacked as Bristol City boss in July.

The pair are reunited having worked together at the Robins.

McAllister joined Bristol City from Hearts as a player in 2006 after two campaigns at Tynecastle, the second of which he was a team-mate of Johnson.

He would spend six seasons at Ashton Gate, making 210 appearances and would link up with his new boss once more.

The one-time Scotland international was brought back to the club as the Under-23 boss in 2016 before progressing to become Johnson’s assistant.

He joins a Sunderland team in their third season in the third tier. They currently sit 11th.

McAllister, who played with Johnson at Hearts and Bristol City, said: “I have worked with the gaffer for the past four or five years, so I know how he works, and I understand his philosophies and style.

"The potential here is fantastic and everybody has a part to play – our role is to create a culture and identity that provides the spark to take this club back where it belongs.

"We have great fans behind us and we want to reward that support, not only with winning football, but enjoyable football."

Johnson added: “Having worked with Jamie previously during our time at Bristol City, I have a full and thorough understanding of his qualities on and off the pitch. He will be a huge asset for Sunderland AFC.”