Reliable journalist Ross Gregory has revealed some surprising behind-the-scenes news at Sunderland.

The Lowdown: Championship preparation

The new set of Championship fixtures for next season were released on Thursday, with Alex Neil's side hosting Coventry City at the Stadium of Light on the opening weekend.

The Scotsman will now be eager to get transfer business finalised and his squad together for pre-season, as well as sorting out his backroom team.

The Latest: Shock

Taking to Twitter, Gregory has revealed that both David Preece and Phil Jevons have now been 'axed' from Neil's backroom staff:

"I understand David Preece and Phil Jevons have been axed from Alex Neil's backroom staff."

Expanding in his article for The Chronicle, Gregory adds that the goalkeeping and first team coach were told this week that they would not be part of the upcoming campaign, in a 'shock' shake-up just over a month before the season starts.

The Verdict: Ruthless

The Wearside gaffer is clearly being ruthless with regards to who he is going to take with him as part of his backroom staff, with a long and difficult season ahead having only just gained promotion from League One.

The Black Cats clearly feel as if Preece and Jevons are not up to the standard in the Championship, and will now have to find replacements for the pair as quickly as possible - perhaps Neil even has names in mind already.