Roker Roundup: Report claims that former Sunderland goalkeeper is set to return as academy coach

Preece to return?

Sunderland youth product David Preece is currently a goalkeeping coach with Ostersunds FK in the Swedish Allsvenskan, but reports suggest that he may be on the verge of a return to the North East.

Swedish journalist Daniel Kristoffersson writing in his transfer gossip column for Expressen, says that Preece is about to sign a deal to become a coach at the Academy of Light.

After departing Sunderland without making an appearance, Preece featured for the likes of Darlington, Barnsley, Aberdeen and Silkeborg and since hanging up his boots has worked behind the scenes with Barnsley, Lincoln and Manchester City before taking up his current role with Ostersunds in February 2019.

Preece’s expected arrival follows hot on the heels of yesterday’s shake up at the Academy of Light, with Lewis Dickman promoted to Academy Manager, Stuart English being drafted in from Birmingham City to take up Dickman’s former role as Head of Coaching and Leann Cowperthwaite being promoted to Head of Academy Operations.

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Grigg enjoying every minute

Will Grigg scored his first goal for MK Dons since joining on-loan from Sunderland, as he notched in a 4-3 home win over Northampton Town.

Speaking to MK Citizen after the game, Grigg says he is enjoying every minute of his second spell at Stadium MK and believes he has already adapted to his club’s new style:

From the moment I got here, I felt at home, everyone has been great with me, the staff and the boys are brilliant. Every day I come into training, or some to the stadium, it’s a special place for me.

To get the goal in the first home game back is really special. I hope we can get some fans back soon and it will be even better.

I’m really happy score here, it felt special. I think I’d played well in the last two games but I’d not got the goal. And against Northampton it wasn’t the best game for anyone but I’ve managed to get one.

I always pride myself on scoring goals, and it’s nice to be back and doing what I did before I left. The gaffer and Luke have been great with me, we play a different style and I think I’ve adapted to that, I’m enjoying every minute.

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