Simon Grayson has worked with Steve Thompson twice previously, and he is now considering trying to bring him to Sunderland.
Grayson has endured a difficult time since leaving Deepdale for the Stadium of Light in the summer, with the Black Cats currently second-bottom in the Championship with just one win coming from their opening 11 games.
Meanwhile, the Lilywhites have carried on much of the good work that Grayson did during his time in charge there, with Alex Neil’s men currently sixth in the table, just four points off the summit.
Seemingly in an attempt to recreate some of the success he enjoyed with Preston, The Sun on Sunday (print edition; 8th October 2017; page 61) reports that Grayson is contemplating approaching his former club about trying to add Thompson to his coaching staff.
Grayson also worked with Thompson when he was in charge of Blackpool. During their time at Bloomfield Road, the pair led the Seasiders to promotion to the second tier, while Thompson joined the Preston coaching staff following their own promotion to the Championship in 2015, subsequently helping them establish themselves back in the division.
The Sun on Sunday suggests that it is not clear what Thompson’s response to any approach that may come in will be, but if Grayson does make a move, he will be hoping that the 52-year-old sees the same project that tempted him to make the move in the first place.
But based on how the Black Cats and Preston have started the season, it may be quite difficult for Grayson to convince Thompson that that project is still achievable.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
