New head of grounds and Florent Ghisolfi's squad message outlined at Supporters' Collective meeting | OneFootball

Sunderland have appointed a new head of grounds and Florent Ghisolfi set out his expectations to the squad after club leaders met fan groups in mid-May, according to Sunderland Echo.

Interim CEO Tom Burwell and director of football Ghisolfi attended the Supporters’ Collective meeting. Topics included the financial picture and an update on the potential Stadium of Light expansion.

The club has recruited a head of grounds. Pitches will be improved to match players’ high expectations, described as top-end Premier League standards.

One supporter praised former sporting director Kristjaan Speakman for his significant contribution to the academy and player development. Reassurance was sought that his attention to detail would continue.

Burwell said the academy now falls under Ghisolfi and that the transition from Speakman was anticipated and collaborative. He said academy players must be ready to perform at top 10 Premier League level, the scouting team now numbers 10, and the club are recruiting a Head of the Academy.

The meeting also underlined that Sunderland compete weekly with 19 Premier League rivals across security, events and engagement, and Burwell wants the club to match those standards on every front.

Before the first game, Ghisolfi urged players to be Sunderland and give their best each day, prioritising representation and commitment over results. After learning from the club historian that Sunderland were once the country’s leading team, he believes the club can aim high again. Burwell is developing a high-performance culture on and off the pitch with heart and humility.

Source: Sunderland Echo