The 42-year-old has been recruited as the club's match assessor, a role which will see him evaluate forthcoming opponents and draw up detailed reports for manager Steve Bruce and his coaching staff.
Scouting mission: Steve Staunton has joined Sunderland's backroom staff
Bruce said: 'We are looking to Steve to bring a high level of expertise based on his long experience of football at the top level. He joins a very experienced backroom team here at Sunderland and I'm sure he will be a great acquisition for us.'
Staunton, who had a spell in charge at the Black Cats' north east neighbours Darlington, made his name at Liverpool and Aston Villa during a distinguished playing career which saw him capped 102 times for his country.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail