Florent Ghisolfi and Tom Burwell outline Sunderland academy overhaul and pathway focus | OneFootball

Florent Ghisolfi insists Sunderland’s academy remains central to the club’s strategy, while acknowledging major improvements are needed to narrow the gap between youth football and the Premier League.

According to Sunderland Echo, former academy manager Robin Nicholls has departed for MLS and been replaced by John Hewitson, while under-21s lead coach Graeme Murty is expected to move on this summer amid wider changes.

Sunderland’s director of football said academy development is integral to the model, but the club must adapt quickly now the first team has returned to the Premier League. He set a target of bringing through two players each season and said work is under way to raise standards.

Ghisolfi stressed a people-first approach, highlighting energy, commitment and cohesion across the club and its environment. He spoke of the need for freshness, promoting from within where deserved, and refreshing roles if individuals cannot make the next step.

Interim chief executive Tom Burwell underlined the academy’s role as a bridge to the community, often a first touchpoint for a nine or ten-year-old, and said what young players take back about the club’s values matters. He accepted the pathway could generate revenue, but maintained that culture, alignment and community focus must come first, with financial benefits following only if those foundations are right.

Source: Sunderland Echo