The much-travelled former Northern Ireland international had spent last season coaching at League Two side Cheltenham Town, who hoped to retain his services for the 2009/10 campaign.

But Robins boss Martin Allen revealed Sunderland had stepped in.

He said: "I was conscious that a contract hadn't been agreed, because we've wanted to sort it out all summer.

"He is very good, and it wasn't a surprise when I took the call. He's done excellently."

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Tony Norman helped out with youth coaching at the Academy of Light last season following the tragic death of Tim Carter.

Fettis started his career in Ireland with Ards before Hull City brought him to England.

He went on to play for West Brom, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn, Leicester, York, Sheffield United, Grimsby, Macclesfield and Bury before moving into coaching.

He was also chief scout at Cheltenham for a while and recently turned down the chance to coach at Carlisle United.

* Sunderland Reserves will play two pre-season games in Ireland, against Kildare County and Athlone Town.

The dates of the games have not yet been confirmed, but the Kildare appointment is likely to be on July 29.

The Black Cats' first team played Athlone last summer, cruising to a 6-0 victory.