Sunderland have completed Sam Allardyce's backroom lineup, promoting Paul Bracewell to assistant and naming Mark Taylor as performance director.

Allardyce reportedly wanted Phil Brown to leave his job in charge of Southend United to join him at the Stadium of Light, but the Shrimpers boss has decided to remain in Essex.

Sunderland have therefore promoted from within as former England international Bracewell changes role from first-team coach to manager's number two ahead of Sunday's North-East showdown with fellow strugglers Newcastle United.

Taylor, meanwhile, will look after areas of the club's football operation such as sports science and performance analysis.

"Areas such as sports science and performance analysis are absolutely crucial in the modern game," Allardyce told the club website.
"Mark has a tremendous amount of experience and expertise in these key disciplines and he will help us to ensure that our players reach their maximum potential."

Robbie Stockdale has been appointed to the first-team coaching staff to fill the void left by Bracewell.