EX-EASTLEIGH defender Paul Reid has been confirmed as the new academy manager at League One outfit Sunderland.

The 36-year-old replaces Jimmy Sinclair who retired earlier this summer.

Reid, who became Eastleigh’s head of recruitment/football administrator after hanging up his boots, follows ex-Spitfires owner/chairman Stewart Donald to the Stadium of Light.

Discussing his new appointment, the Carlisle-born former Barnsley centre-back said: "This opportunity is the accumulation of many years playing, studying and working within football and I am both excited and proud to be given the role of leading the Academy set-up at such a fantastic club.

“A thriving academy is the bedrock of any successful football club.

"I am looking forward to working alongside the academy team, with the aim of building on the great foundations that are already in place and cementing our reputation as one of the best environments in the country for young footballers to develop and progress.”