Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman believes the Black Cats have brought in excellent experience into their academy set-up following the appointment of Robin Nicholls. The former Southampton Head of Academy Operations and Assistant Academy Manager joins the club after seven years on the South Coast.
It's the latest step into rebuilding the academy set-up following Kryil Louis-Dreyfus' takeover over a year ago. Lewis Dickman previously took charge of the academy, with Stuart English then taking charge on a temporary basis.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “The role of Academy Manager is fundamental to our day-to-day operations, but more importantly it provides the strategic leadership required for ongoing and lasting success.
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"Robin has excellent experience in several roles within an environment that has a proven track record in nurturing young talent, so we are delighted to have attracted someone of his calibre to Sunderland AFC.
"His arrival completes our Academy staffing structure and now we look forward to supporting him and the wider team in further developing our youth programme.”
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