James Brayne Moves from Sunderland to Newcastle United
In a surprising turn of events, Sunderland AFC’s assistant manager, James Brayne, has accepted an offer to join Newcastle United in the same capacity at the end of the current season. According to a report by BBC, the move comes after successful negotiations between the two clubs.
James Brayne’s tenure at Sunderland AFC has been relatively short but impactful. Appointed in August 2025, Brayne’s primary role was as the Set Piece Coach, a specialized position aimed at enhancing the team’s performance during set-piece situations. He joined the club from Charlton Athletic, bringing his expertise to the first-team coaching staff as they prepared for the new Premier League season.
“James has made a significant contribution in his short time here,” said a Sunderland AFC spokesperson. “His work on set pieces has been invaluable, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Brayne’s move to Newcastle United is seen as a strategic acquisition for the Magpies, who are looking to bolster their coaching staff with specialized expertise. His focus on set pieces is expected to bring a new dimension to Newcastle’s tactical approach.
“We are delighted to welcome James to Newcastle United,” said a Newcastle United representative. “His experience and skills will be a great asset to our team as we continue to build a competitive squad.”
During his time at Sunderland, Brayne implemented innovative training techniques and strategies to improve the team’s set-piece execution. His efforts were aimed at both maximizing scoring opportunities and minimizing defensive vulnerabilities during these critical moments of the game.
The departure of James Brayne will undoubtedly be felt at Sunderland AFC, but the club is already looking at potential replacements to continue the work he started. The focus remains on maintaining a strong coaching staff to support the team’s ambitions in the Premier League.
As Brayne prepares to make the switch to Newcastle United at the end of the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how his expertise translates to his new club. The move underscores the importance of specialized coaching roles in modern football and the competitive nature of talent acquisition in the sport.
