Sunderland prospect Jay Turner-Cooke has left for arch rivals Newcastle – just weeks after branding the Black Cats “cowards" for sacking his dad.

John Cooke, a former Sunderland player and long-serving kitman, was made redundant after 32 years with the Wearsiders.

Hitting out at the League One club last month, the 17-year-old midfielder posted to social media: “35 years at the club and no acknowledgement even though he was made redundant 2 months ago. COWARDS. No class, no loyalty, no respect. Hang your heads in shame Sunderland AFC. You know who you are."

And just weeks later, Turner-Clarke – who had played for Sunderland's U23s- signed a three-year deal with their North-East rivals.

And he said online: “Proud moment signing a professional contract at NUFC. Hard work continues. Thank you to the players and staff at Sunderland for the last seven years, good luck for the future."

John Cook had been kitman at the Stadium of Light since 1994 having spent six years there as a player.