Watford legend Tony Coton has been appointed as Sunderland’s new head of recruitment.

Coton enjoyed a highly six-year spell with the Hornets between 1984 and 1990, making 291 appearances in all competitions, with his form leading to him winning the club’s Player of the Season award three times.

Regarded as one of the Hornets’ greatest ever goalkeepers, Coton became just the second person to be inducted into Watford’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

After leaving Vicarage Road, the goalkeeper would have spells with Manchester City, Manchester United and Sunderland before retiring and he most recently worked at Aston Villa as head of goalkeeper recruitment.

Coton will now be in charge of recruitment at Sunderland, who will play in League One this year having been condemned to back-to-back relegations, after finishing bottom in the Championship last season.

The Black Cats have recently been taken over by Eastleigh owner Stewart Donald and appointed St Mirren boss Jack Ross as their new manager two weeks ago.

Speaking to Sunderland’s website, Coton said: “I am incredibly excited about returning to Sunderland as a new era starts and the rebuilding begins.

“Having met Jack Ross, I have been hugely impressed by his vision of how he wants his Sunderland team to play and I am enthused by the challenge of bringing in the players we need to realise that vision.

“Between Jack, myself and the rest of the recruitment staff, I am confident we can help build a team that can take the club forward and I am excited to get started.”

Donald added: “I am delighted to welcome Tony to Sunderland. Recruitment is fundamental for any football club and in Tony we have a man with significant experience and contacts in this vital area.

“He is passionate, honest and hard working – the exact qualities we want in anyone coming to this football club. He has a tremendous knowledge of English football and understands what characteristics are required, on and off the pitch, to achieve success.

“Tony played a vital role in reshaping Aston Villa’s squad and ensuring it was equipped to do well in the Football League. Working alongside Jack, his appointment will help ensure we can hit the ground running and attract the right type of players to Sunderland.”