Robin Nicholls reflects on Sunderland academy exit | OneFootball

Robin Nicholls has left his role as Sunderland’s academy manager and reflected on his spell at the Academy of Light.

He said in a LinkedIn post that working in the North East carried unique meaning, describing it as a privilege to support young players and staff, and expressing pride in the academy’s role in helping restore the club to the Premier League. He added that seeing people grow on and off the pitch was special, and thanked colleagues and the wider club community.

Nicholls joined the Black Cats in October 2022 after working within Southampton’s academy set-up.

His tenure coincided with academy graduates shaping Sunderland’s progress, with Chris Rigg becoming a key first-team figure. Tommy Watson scored the stoppage-time winner in last season’s Championship play-off final before joining Brighton, while others advanced through the under-21s, loan spells and the senior pathway.

The academy also delivered strong results, reaching two finals in three seasons under under-21s boss Graeme Murty. This season, the young Black Cats reached the Premier League Cup final at the Stadium of Light, losing to Burnley despite creating chances to win.

Source: Sunderland Echo