Florent Ghisolfi and Tom Burwell set out Sunderland academy changes and pathway focus | OneFootball

Florent Ghisolfi says Sunderland’s academy remains a pillar of the club’s model, but standards must rise to close the gap between under-21s and the Premier League. According to Sunderland Echo, his remarks come as the youth set-up undergoes a refresh.

Former academy manager Robin Nicholls has left for MLS and been replaced by John Hewitson. Under-21s lead coach Graeme Murty is expected to depart this summer as part of wider academy and coaching changes.

Ghisolfi, the director of football, reiterated that development is central to Sunderland’s strategy, but said the first team’s return to the Premier League has widened the step from youth level. He believes the club must adapt quickly and wants to promote two players each season, adding that work is under way to improve the pathway.

He stressed people will come first, highlighting energy, commitment and cohesion inside the club and its environment. Roles will be refreshed where needed, and that will not always mean external hires, with opportunities for those already within the organisation.

Interim chief executive Tom Burwell underlined the academy’s role as a point of connection with the community, often the first touchpoint for a nine-year-old. He accepted it could also become a revenue stream, but said that would follow only if the club gets its energy, alignment and purpose right first.

Source: Sunderland Echo