Florent Ghisolfi outlines why José Fonte joins Régis Le Bris's Sunderland staff | OneFootball

Sunderland have confirmed José Fonte will join Régis Le Bris's first-team coaching staff this summer, with Florent Ghisolfi explaining the rationale for the addition.

According to Sunderland Echo, the former Southampton defender will begin on 20 July, shortly after the pre-season opener at York City and before the trip to the USA.

Fonte, a Ligue 1 title winner with Lille, ended his playing career this year and will now bring his experience to Wearside.

Ghisolfi said Fonte's top-level pedigree, strong leadership and energy would complement a staff already performing strongly under Régis Le Bris. He believes those qualities will add value as Sunderland push on in the Premier League and prepare for their first European campaign in more than 50 years.

Sunderland have been looking to strengthen the coaching group after the departures of Pedro Ribeiro and Luciano Vulcano over the past 12 months. As it stands, Fonte will work alongside long-serving coaches Michael Proctor and Alessandro Barcherini, goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, Chief Analyst Isidre Ramón Madir and set-piece coach James Brayne.

Source: Sunderland Echo