Kevin Ball, the former Sunderland captain, has recently been appointed the club’s senior professional development coach under manager Martin O’Neill.
Having previously served as the under-18 academy manager, he will now be in charge of the under-21 squad at the Stadium of Light. He takes over from reserve team manager Keith Bertschin and development coach Stephen Clemence, both of who have left to join
Steve Bruce at Hull City.
After a somewhat successful season with Sunderland, Steve Bruce went on to make over ten signings in the last summer transfer window. However, the players were unable to produce decent results and the club found itself struggling against mediocre sides.
Steve Bruce was sacked as the Sunderland manager in the 2011-2012 season after the Black Cats were found battling relegation in mid-season. Former Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill was brought in as his replacement and the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987 international
has done well with the club.
O’Neill managed to lead Sunderland to a 13th place finish on the English Premier League table, with resurgence in the latter half of the season. He will now be looking to build on last season’s performance, with new signings and the inclusion
of new members in the backroom staff.
One such new arrival is Kevin Ball, the 47-year-old former defender c*m midfielder who has featured for Coventry City, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Fulham and Burnley. After retiring from football, Ball took up a caretaker position at the Stadium of Light in
2006.
This could very well be the big break Ball has been looking for, with the former footballer having played for Sunderland for nine years from 1990 to 1999. He initially began his career as a central defender, but was later made into a central defender.
After 389 games for the Black Cats in all competitions with 27 goals, Ball remains as one of the most loved players by the supporters. His commitment and consistency made him a fan favourite and he was awarded the Sunderland FC Player of the Year for the
1996-1997 season.
Ball also served as the caretaker manager for Sunderland in the 2005-2006 season for a brief period of time.
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