The Black Cats may be able to use one Sunderland legend’s recent appointment to their favour this January.

Whilst the Black Cats had several top players during the earlier stages of the 2010s, from the likes of Jordan Henderson to Fabio Borini, there was one Sunderland player that ultimately embodied the side throughout their most recent tenure in the Premier League, and that was undoubtedly Lee Cattermole.

The marauding midfielder managed 262 appearances for the Black Cats during his extended period of time at the club, playing in eight Premier League seasons from the 2009/10 season and onwards.

Despite his time in Wearside ending in disappointment, which saw his side lose out in the 2018/19 League One play-off final to Charlton, he will undoubtedly go down as a Sunderland legend for the time he spent at the club.

Since his retirement that followed his one-year spell with Eredivisie side VVV-Venlo in the 2019/20 campaign, he served as Middlesbrough U18 manager for a calendar year, and has now picked up his second job, this time involved in senior football.

Sunderland legend Lee Cattermole takes up coaching role at Bristol Rovers

It has now been confirmed that former Sunderland midfielder Cattermole has been appointed as a coach at League One side Bristol Rovers.

The 36-year-old’s experience is expected to help with the sides’ current issues involving set-pieces, both defensive and offensive.

Whilst Cattermole won’t be directly involved with Bristol Rovers in regards to recruitment, with the January transfer window looming, however he could potentially play a pivotal role as Sunderland look to offload some of their younger talents.

There is no doubt that Sunderland have several top talents in-and-around their academy, with many likely wanting an EFL loan move in order to bolster their development.

It could be the case that, now Cattermole has moved on to the Bristolian League One side, some of Sunderland’s young prodigies could follow in his footsteps to gain some vital EFL experience.

Half a season in League One could really benefit some of the Back Cats’ youngsters if they are looking to make a step up to the first-team in the near future, and one name that comes to mind is winger Jewison Bennette, who is yet to notch a single minute of Championship action in the 2024/25 campaign.

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