Former Premier League star with 272 appearances lands first coaching job four years after retiring

FORMER Premier League midfielder Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent coaching job.

The ex-Sunderland star has joined Bristol Rovers as a first team coach, focusing on the development and implementation of set pieces.

Discussing his new position, Cattermole said: "I am delighted to join the coaching team at Bristol Rovers.

"Having spoken to the guys here and George Friend, I very quickly got excited about the project being developed here at the Club.

"Everything I’ve heard about Bristol Rovers tells me it’s an exciting time to be part of things here, and I’m looking forward to getting going."

Cattermole called time on his playing career four years ago following a brief spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.

Prior to that he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.

The midfielder has also played for Middlesbrough and Wigan.

After hanging up his boots, Cattermole revealed his intention to move into coaching.

He returned to Boro to work in the academy and took charge of the U23s before leaving in February last year.

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The ex-midfielder was also part of the interim management team that took control at the Riverside for five games when Chris Wilder was sacked in October 2022.

Bristol Rovers currently sit 18th in the League One table with 21 points from 18 games.

They travel to face title-chasing Birmingham City on Saturday.