How Cats’ U23s squad is being revived as LJ runs rule over stars
Sunderland's Under-23s squad is in the process of being strengthened as a number of last season's successful side make the step up to first-team level.
Lee Johnson welcomed back a currently threadbare squad to the Academy of Light on Monday, one bolstered by a cohort of young talent.
Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil,JoshHawkes,OllieYoungerandEllisTaylorareallpartof the senior group as it stands, and are likely to be given a significant opportunity to impress at Spennymoor Town this Saturday.
Elliot Embleton is also set to be given a prominent role in the squad this season after his hugely successful loan spell at BlackpoolendedinLeagueOne promotion.
The Black Cats are hopeful that a number of that group will push for regular football under Johnson, even if there is the possibility of some loan movementlaterinthewindow.
There will be talks over Benji Kimpioka's short-term future, too, though his campaign only very recently ended after Torquay were beaten by Hartlepool United in the National League play-off final.
As such, there is work to be donetobolsterElliottDickman and Michael Proctor's squad, who impressed in reaching the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off final last season.
It is understood that such work is well advanced, with a number of players signed up for the new campaign.
Reports claim that the Cats haveagreedadealwithleft-sidedplayerTyreseDyce,whoimpressed in a trial spell towards the end of last season.
It's understood that the Black Cats have also completed deals for a cohort of other trialists from last season. Tom Scott, formerly of Northampton Town, has agreed a deal, as has former Guiseley defender Nathan Newall.
Sunderland have also completed a deal to sign former Manchester United goalkeeper Jacob Carney, who is line to take Patterson's place in the U23s squad.
EthanKachosa,formerlyof Leeds United, was part of the squad for the play-off games and is also understood to have agreed a deal.
Speakingafterthatplay-off final defeat, Proctor said that significantchangeswereinevitable, but that the playing philosophy will not change amid the turnover in personnel.
"There will be a big transition and a lot of new players coming in," he said.
"The ones who are coming in from outside the football club, we have to instil in them the values that we expect from a Sunderland player.
"If we show them a video of the play-off final, I’m sure that willshowthemeverythingthey needtoknowaboutplayingfor this football club.
"We’re constantly looking to improve and bring better players into the football club.
"That has started already. I’m not really thinking about thattoomuchaftertheresult.”
The club announced earlier this summer that six players from the U23 group would beleavingupontheexpiration of their contracts at the end of this month.
Brandon Taylor and Jake Hackettbothdepartedandare currently free agents, alongside Bobby Beaumont.
Ryan Wombwell has joined Gateshead,whileLeeConnelly has joined Queen of the South.
Mitch Curry has joined Inter Miami CF and is currently on loan at Fort Lauderdale.