ATHLETIC'S stars have been lining up to heap praise on John Potter after the first team coach departed for Sunderland at the weekend.

The 38-year-old, who enjoyed two spells as a Pars player before taking on a coaching role, moves to the Stadium of Light to team-up with former St Mirren and Clyde team-mate Jack Ross.

After leaving the Buddies to take on the manager's job with the Black Cats, Ross was linked with a move for Potter, who became Dunfermline's under-20s coach in 2012.

Although he had agreed a new contract with the club, an enquiry from the Wearside outfit became an acceptable offer to the Pars board for his release.

Potter admitted that it was a "big wrench" to leave, and several of the current first team took to social media to wish him well.

Full back Ryan Williamson, who worked closely with Potter during his rise from youth level, said: "I’ll be forever in debt to this man for how much he’s helped and showed faith in me over the year. An absolute legend who fully deserves this opportunity.. All the very best Potts".

Goalkeeper Cammy Gill commented: "Very privileged to have spent 4 years full time with Potts! Absolutely Buzzing for him and couldn’t have happened for a better guy!"

Midfielder James Craigen added: "Only got to know Pottsy for the last few months but what a guy, all the best with the new job".

After taking on the under-20s with Craig Dargo, as well as working with the first team, Potter was handed the reigns in December 2014 after Jim Jefferies resigned as manager.

However, after a seventh place finish in League One, it was announced that he would return to his previous role, with Allan Johnston appointed as Athletic's new boss.

Speaking to the club's website on Saturday, Potter said: "It's just happened quite quickly in the last four or five days and it was a big decision.

"I just felt it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It's a big wrench to leave. It's the club I support and absolutely love my job here."

Potter begins his new role with Sunderland today and Johnston commented: "This was a great opportunity for Pottsie that was too good turn down, as I myself know big a club Sunderland are.

"He has been a massive help to me since I came to East End Park and does a lot of unselfish work behind the scenes.

"I wish him every success in the future."

Chairman Ross McArthur added: "We are naturally disappointed to see John move on, after recently agreeing a new contract, but the chance to work at a club that was in the English Premiership only two seasons ago was a chance he could not refuse.

"Myself, and the rest of our board, have the highest regard for John, not only as a great coach, but as a fantastic man.

"To the end, John acted with great honesty, integrity and respect, which is an example to others.

"Things have happened quickly this week, but Sunderland met our release terms, to allow John to make the move.

"As a local boy, who supports our club, it has not been an easy decision for John to make but first and foremost he has to look after his family."

The club have also confirmed that former striker Stevie Crawford, who has been working most recently with Robbie Neilson at Hearts and MK Dons, will work with the club on what Johnston said was a "short-term" basis.