Sbragia offered scouting role

New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring his predecessor, Ricky Sbragia, back to the club. The Scot stepped down from his post as Black Cats manager at the end of last season, having taken charge on a temporary basis following the departure of Roy Keane.Club chairman Niall Quinn promised at the time that Sbragia would have a job for life at the Stadium of Light, should he wish.Having spent the summer weighing up his options, the former Manchester United and Bolton coach is now contemplating Bruce's offer of a scouting role at Sunderland."I am revamping the scouting at the club - I think it is a vitally important part, especially today - and I have offered Ricky the head role in that," said Bruce."He has said to me he will have a look at it, he will consider it.Good man"I have put no real time limit on it, but I would expect by next week that Ricky will tell me one way or the other whether he wants to take up the role or whether he doesn't."I sincerely hope he does because he is a very genuinely good man and good at his job."Meanwhile, Sunderland have confirmed that reserve team coach Neil Bailey has left the club, with Bruce having brought in his own backroom team.Quinn told the club's official website: "I would like to personally thank Neil for the fantastic job he has done during his time at the club."As well as steering the reserves to a league title, he stepped in to assist with first-team duties under Ricky Sbragia and gave us vital support when the club needed it most."I'm sure there will be a huge demand for his experience within the football world and he departs with my very best wishes."

Source: SKY_Sports