ALMOST a year after he was released by the Clarets, Kevin Ball is back in football as a coach with Sunderland.

But the former Black Cats skipper will not be involved as they take on Blackburn Rovers in a fourth round FA Cup replay at the Stadium of Light tonight.

Ball was one of six players released by Stan Ternent last April having been a virtual ever present as the team finished seventh in the first division.

He has had a number of offers to continue his career in the game but has not found the right move until now.

Ball has agreed to rejoin the club as part of Howard Wilkinson's backroom team and while he will primarily work with the young players, he will also get involved with a number of first team duties.

Wilkinson said: "We've been under-staffed in the coaching department since I arrived here and Kevin will come in and help out. He'll start on Monday.

"Being a coach is a lot different to being a player but you cannot get to the top in coaching without a passion and enthusiasm for the game, and Kevin's got that.

"He will work with the young pros here but also will help out elsewhere and lighten the load when required."

Burnley reserves game against Bury tonight has been postponed.