Phil Parkinson has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Taylor as Sunderland's new first-team coach.
News of Taylor's impending arrival emerged at the end of last week and, while there has been no official announcement by the club, Parkinson says the 33-year-old has joined his staff.
"Andrew joined us last Friday and he has had nearly a week with us, so he has settled in nicely," said Parkinson.
"He has a lot of experience playing at all levels, he's very intelligent, understands the game, and he will be a good asset for us."
The departure of coach John Potter to link up with ex-Sunderland manager Jack Ross at Hibernian left a vacancy, and Parkinson has filled it by handing Hartlepool-born Taylor - who played under him at Bolton Wanderers, and who called time on his playing career in September - his first coaching role.
Taylor began his career at Middlesbrough before moving on to Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic, and Bolton. He also spent loan spells at Bradford City, Watford, and Reading.
Parkinson brought his long-time assistant Steve Parkin with him when he took over in mid-October and has since been reunited with two more members of the backroom team he worked with at Bolton, with goalkeeping coach Lee Butler and physical performance coach Nick Allamby now working on Wearside.
