TWO former Latics are back together at Sunderland.

Lee Johnson has made Carl Winchester his first signing as Black Cats boss, taking the midfielder from Forest Green for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One side, made approaching 150 appearances for Latics and certainly left an impression on Johnson during their time working together at Oldham.

"After assessing our squad and establishing the profile of midfielder we wanted to bring in, we evaluated all the elements, inclusive of the data, and felt that Carl was the right player to add to our squad," Johnson said.

“He is a good player who is in the prime of his career and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions, ensuring he will also bring depth to our squad.

“When he was a young player at Oldham every top club wanted him, which shows the potential he has always had.

"He has represented some good clubs, but in terms of division, we believe he has been playing below his natural level.”

Belfast-born Winchester was picked up by Latics from Linfield in 2010 and would spend seven years at Boundary Park.

He said: “The head coach believes in me and I believe in myself. I’m coming into my prime, so I’m hoping I can settle in well and kick on from there.”