Dickman leaving Sunderland to take charge of Newcastle U23s | OneFootball

Elliott Dickman is leaving Sunderland to take charge of Newcastle United's U23 team.

The Daily Mail says the 43-year-old will fill the role that has been vacant since August, when Chris Hogg left to become assistant manager at MK Dons.

Academy chief Steve Harper has led the search and has interviewed several candidates, including former Magpies striker Shefki Kuqi.

But it is Dickman who has landed a position that is set to become integral to the future of the club, given the want of the new owners to invest in youth development.

Dickman was a highly-rated youth-team player at Sunderland but was forced to retire aged 20 because of a persistent hip problem.

He has risen through the coaching ranks on Wearside and, since 2017, he has been in charge of the Under-23s side. His departure will come as a shock to followers of Sunderland given his longstanding connection with the club.