Sunderland journalist James Hunter has given his reaction to the news that Lewis Dickman has left his role as the Championship club’s head of academy.

The Lowdown: Dickman’s Sunderland journey

The 45-year-old first arrived at the Stadium of Light when he worked as Youth Development Lead, but was then headhunted by the Football Association, bringing his time on Wearside to an end.

Five years later, the former Black Cat returned and was appointed Head of Coaching in 2019, before being made permanent Academy Manager in 2021.

On Tuesday, the club confirmed that Dickman has left his position at Sunderland with immediate effect following a two-decade association with the club.

The Latest: Hunter’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Hunter was full of praise for Dickman and insisted that his departure would be a big loss. He wrote:

“Lewis Dickman departs as head of SAFC's academy.

“It had been coming, but I'm sad to see him leave - one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet, and very popular with staff and players alike.”

This isn't the first exit from the off-field department at the Stadium of Light this summer, with David Preece and Phil Jevons leaving their roles in June.

The Verdict: Great servant

Goalkeeper coach Preece and first-team coach Jevons kick-started the Sunderland staff reshuffle, and Dickman is the next to follow in their footsteps.

The long-time servant did an excellent job during his time at the club, ensuring that the academy retained it’s Category One status despite the first team having problems of their own.

Dickman’s services will be hugely missed by the Black Cats, and it’s expected that Stuart English will now be the one to take on the academy on an interim basis whilst the hierarchy continue their search to appoint a permanent successor.