Roker Roundup: Sacked Sunderland assistant finds new job - and it’s not with Jack Ross at Hibs

Hackett set for Whitby stay

Promising young Sunderland midfielder Jake Hackett has extended his loan with Whitby Town, meaning that he’ll remain with the Northern Premier League side.

Hackett - who featured for Jack Ross in Sunderland’s first team in pre-season - is very highly thought of at the Academy of Light, and has featured three times for the senior side in professional competition, playing in each of last season’s EFL Trophy group games.

The 19-year old initially joined the Seasiders on a youth loan back in October, but has impressed so much that they have decided to keep him around for a while longer.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Fowler joins Kilmarnock

Former Sunderland assistant manager James Fowler has found his first job since leaving the club, joining Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock as their Head of Football Operations.

The Scottish coach left the club in the aftermath of Jack Ross’s departure, and took charge of the first team game against Grimsby back in October - and whilst it looks as though Ross will be appointed as the new manager of Hibernian, it’s interesting that Fowler will not be joining his former partner in his new role.

Fowler is a Kilmarnock legend, notching over 460 appearances as a player for the club, and was part of the side that won the Scottish League Cup in 2012.

In his first role since leaving Wearside alongside Jack Ross, Fowler will oversee the entire football department of the club - including the first team, reserves, under 18s and academy.

Speaking about his appointment, Fowler said:

I am thrilled to be coming back to the club as Head of Football Operations.

With the experience I’ve gained in the last 5-year in various roles within the industry, I feel that this is the right opportunity for me to implement my ideas.

The club and supporters have always been so welcoming to me, and I am looking forward to working with the board, Angelo Alessio and his staff, and the fans to continue to build the strongest team we can at Kilmarnock Football Club.

Photo by MI News | NurPhoto via Getty Images