Top talent spotter John Park to turn down Celtic return in favour of 'exciting' Sunderland role

John Park has turned down the chance of a return to Celtic this summer as he looks set to be appointed Sunderland's new director of football.

Top talent spotter Park was chief scout at Celtic between 2007 and 2016 and Neil Lennon was believed to be keen on reuniting with him at Celtic Park after former Black Cats director of football Lee Congerton departed to join Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City.

Park is well respected in the game and credited with unearthing a number of talented players for Celtic - most notably Champions League winner Virgil Van Dijk.

But according to sources in Scotland, Park has told Celtic that he is committed to joining Sunderland once Mark Campbell completes his takeover of the Stadium of Light outfit later this month.

Campbell is in negotiations and believed to be close to completing a deal with Stewart Donald that will see him become the Black Cats' principle shareholder. The US investor is expected to replace Donald as chairman, although Donald is understood to be retaining around 10-15% of his shares in the club.

 

Park is likely to be one of Campbell's first appointments on Wearside, with reports suggesting that the scout is 'excited by the plans to get Sunderland back to the top flight'.

Show more

And despite not holding a major role since he left Celtic in 2016, Park has held advisory roles with Maccabi Haifa and Vancouver Whitecaps and has continued scouting players. It is hoped he might have one or two gems to recommend right away.

Show more

Campbell, who is believed to be backed by money from America and the Far East, will have to undergo the EFL's fit and proper tests to complete his takeover, and Sunderland will be hoping this is completed as soon as possible so that planning can begin for next term, where manager Jack Ross will be expected to deliver promotion after missing out this term.