Sunderland Supporters’ Collective hears of new head of grounds and Florent Ghisolfi’s squad message | OneFootball

Sunderland fan groups met the club hierarchy in mid-May at the Supporters’ Collective Meeting. Senior leaders, including interim CEO Tom Burwell and director of football Florent Ghisolfi, attended. According to Sunderland Echo, topics included the financial picture and a potential Stadium of Light expansion.

The club has recruited a new head of grounds, with pitches set to be upgraded to meet elite expectations at Premier League level.

Minutes record a supporter praising former sporting director Kristjaan Speakman’s impact on the academy and thanking ownership for investment. Burwell said academy oversight now sits with Ghisolfi, the transition had been anticipated and handled collaboratively with Speakman, and academy players must be ready to perform at a top 10 Premier League level. The scouting team numbers 10 and the club is hiring a Head of the Academy.

The business side was framed as competing weekly with 19 other Premier League clubs, covering security, events and engagement. Burwell said he wants Sunderland to compete on every front, with on-pitch standards setting the tone across the organisation.

Before the season began, Ghisolfi urged players to embody Sunderland and give their best each day, with performances and commitment prioritised and a view that results will follow. Informed by the club historian that Sunderland once led the country, he believes Sunderland can aim high again. Staff present included Paul Kingsmore, Georgi Rusev, Steve Wood, Emily Jewitt and Chris Waters, alongside fan groups including the Branch Liaison Council, Red and White Army and the Senior Supporters Association.

Source: Sunderland Echo