Sunderland have begun their search to find a new academy manager after Paul Reid left the role last month.

Reid left his job towards the end of June with immediate effect after a whole host of young players opted to leave the Academy of Light over the last 12 months. He held the post for two years after previously working for Eastleigh under current Sunderland owner Stewart Donald.

Young talent Bali Mumba is expected to be another one of those set for a summer exit amid interest shown in him by Premier League side Norwich City.

Whilst some players have departed, results on the pitch have taken a nosedive, with neither the under-18 nor under-23 sides managing to pick up a win in their respective leagues this term.

The Wearside club have now released a job description and advert via their official website, welcoming applicants to apply for the role.

As per safc.com, the post reads: "An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Academy Manager to join Sunderland AFC’s EPPP Category 1 Academy, overseeing the Youth Development department,"

Whoever is chosen for the job will have a mammoth task on their hands to revive the youth teams' fortunes after such a chastening 2019/20.

Finally, the advert asks for a manager to come in and 'produce players for the first team', potentially seeing some players follow the likes of Mumba and Benji Kimpioka, who have gained first team chances in recent months.

It is bound to be a challenging task for whoever steps in to replace Reid and finding the right candidate for the Sunderland academy job is imperative.

With the Wearsiders' first team also languishing in League One, a positive turnaround of their academy fortunes could provide a welcome fillip to offer hope to the Stadium of Light faithful.

Who do you think should come in to replace Reid? Let us know in the comments section below...