What ex-Sunderland AFC manager Jack Ross is doing at Newcastle United now | OneFootball

The former Sunderland boss has been handed a new role at Newcastle United

Newcastle United have given former Sunderland manager Jack Ross a new role at St. James’ Park.

The Tyne-Wear derby will commence in the Premier League for the first time in nine years next season, following the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League.

Sunderland enjoyed six consecutive victories over their arch-rivals from April 2013 to October 2015, the best winning run in the contest’s history.

Ross managed Sunderland to both the EFL trophy and League One play-off finals in 2019 but was bested in both and ultimately left the club in October of that year.

Now, two years after joining Newcastle United, the 49-year-old has been handed a new job.

Jack Ross handed new role at Newcastle United

Almost six years on from his time in Sunderland, the Scotsman has been unveiled as the new Head of Football Strategy at Newcastle United.

As per the ChronicleLive, Ross won’t replace outgoing sporting director Paul Mitchell, with the club looking to fill that role internally.

The 49-year-old will lead and watch over the Magpies’ new talent strategy, which has seen the likes of Vakhtang Salia and Baran Yildiz recently join.

Speaking via the club website, Ross expressed his optimism over taking the role.

He said: "I am delighted to move to the role of Head of Football Strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to help the club build on the outstanding progress and successes it has achieved on and off the pitch in recent seasons.

"We have incredibly high-calibre staff here across multiple pillars of the club, and I am looking forward to supporting them in this new position."

Ross initially joined Newcastle United via their academy system in 2023, as Head of Coach Development, before moving to the position of Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships.

This role has seen the Scotsman provide mentorship and strategic support to key staff.

Now, in addition to overseeing the club’s player loan and emerging talent strategy, the former Sunderland boss will take on building strategic relationships with other footballing organisations.

This will also include introducing new football development and talent pathway opportunities in the UK and overseas.

Jack Ross’ Sunderland spell saw him experience contrasting fortunes

Ross was involved with Sunderland during the low point of their modern history, operating out of League One and failing to fight their way back up the English footballing ladder immediately.

His sacking was arguably a harsh one, with the Mackems in the play-offs when he was dismissed, but it proved to be the correct decision after all.

If given time, Ross probably could’ve guided the Black Cats back up the Football League, after showing promise when leading them to Wembley twice.

However, with Sunderland now back in the Premier League, it’s unlikely that any supporters are losing sleep over his sacking.