David Bruce closing in on reunion with long-serving Sunderland figure as Wednesday rebuild, ex-Burnley interim at Sunderland | OneFootball

Former Sunderland chief operating officer David Bruce is close to bringing long-serving Black Cats figure Oscar Chamberlain to Sheffield Wednesday as the Hillsborough rebuild gathers pace.

Sunderland Echo understands Chamberlain has left his post on Wearside and is edging towards a move that would see him reunite with Bruce following the latter’s switch from the Stadium of Light.

Bruce left earlier this year to become Wednesday’s chief executive after a takeover by American consortium Arise Capital Partners. He is now helping lead a major off-field reset after years of instability under former chairman Dejphon Chansiri.

Chamberlain, who spent 12 years at Sunderland working across branding, digital, marketing and communications, is expected to take a slightly different, newly created role rather than replace long-serving head of communications Trevor Braithwait, who remains in post. The hire forms part of plans to strengthen the senior structure under Arise Capital Partners, with further appointments anticipated. Some of his supporter-facing output earned awards.

Wednesday are preparing for League One next season and are also expected to confirm former Sunderland and Stockport County figure Simon Wilson as sporting director. He is believed to have already undertaken outline duties during early transfer and contract discussions.

For Sunderland, Chamberlain’s exit marks another backroom change during a hectic spell following the club’s historic seventh-placed Premier League finish and Europa League qualification. The Black Cats have appointed Ian Taylor, formerly of Burnley, as interim head of communications and are recruiting for a permanent hire.

Source: Sunderland Echo