Cats’ academy production line a real concern for supporters
JoeHugillissettojoinManchesterUnited,linkingupwith Logan Pye. Other players to leave include Luca Stephenson, Sam Greenwood, Luke Hewitson and Morten Spencer since Stewart Donald took charge.
The results of the Under-23 and Under-18 sides have been very poor this season and there are big concerns over the production line in terms of the quality of player coming through and whether they are ready for the first team.
At this level, academies are vitaltoclubs,especiallyatSunderland given the cost around the Category One status. It is imperative the club retains its academy otherwise you risk losing a generation of young footballers elsewhere. It is the future of SAFC.
MD:Theclubhaslongbeen proudofitsacademystatusand so it is little surprise to hear of supporters’ concerns regarding the future of it - particularly given the news of the last few months, with a number of prospects having departed for pastures new.
There are a few factors at play here. Firstly, the EPPP system wasn’t designed to see a category one academy linked to a League One side. While that does give Sunderlandsomeadvantagesinterms
of initially recruiting players, it does leave them vulnerable to having some of their better players taken away by Premier League sides.
There are some serious questions to be asked, though, over how much the club is doingtokeeptheirbrightestprospects.Thefeesreceivedforthe likes of Bali Mumba and Joe Hugill seem modest at best and reek of short-termism - a desire to receive a quick financial boost, with little thought for the future. But in the longterm, the academy could be vitaltothegrowthandprogression of Sunderland.
The club say they remain committed to maintaining their category one academy status, but serious questions willbeaskedofhowmanyplayers currently in the Black Cats’ under-18 and under-23 ranks could actually make the grade.
I have high hopes for Jack Diamond, who is being courted by a number of League Two sides ahead of next season should Sunderland be willing to allow him out on loan, but there are precious few other players knocking on the door. That has to change. performer in a disappointing season for the under-23 side.
I do share the surprise of some supporters that he has only been offered a one-year deal, though. At 20, you would hopethatPatterson’sbestyears lie ahead of him - and a longerterm contract could well have suited both parties. stated,asthebetteropportunitiesmaycomealonglaterinthe summer. There is a lot of uncertainty in football and there willalsobealotofplayersavailable on a free, around 1,400 so the clubs will have more of the power this summer.
There is also a good chance thatplayersthatmayhavebeen outofreacharenowinSunderland’sbracketaswagesarelikelytocomedown.Itisgoingtobe an interesting summer.
MD: Phil Parkinson spoke last week about targeting players who potentially leave Premier League and Championship clubs, and those decisions may not be made for a number of weeks yet.
Indeed, with so much still uncertain-includingwhenthe 2020/21 season will begin and how many, if any, supporters will be allowed into grounds at that point - clubs across the EFL will be finding it difficult to plan. Much will depend on whether clubs can count on income coming in from paying supporters.
I don’t think there’s any need to panic at the moment given that it is widely expected that the League One season is expected to begin in September, giving Parkinson another three months to finalise his squad. While we may see the odd bit of business completed this month, it would be little surprise if things don’t rampup until July - when there is a clearer picture of what lies ahead.