---
title: "Sunderland: Key figure leaves Academy of Light"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-key-figure-leaves-academy-of-light/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-06-30T20:40:39Z"
modified: "2020-06-30T20:40:39Z"
---

# Sunderland: Key figure leaves Academy of Light

**Sunderland academy manager Paul Reid has [left the club](https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2020/june/paul-reid-leaves-safc) after spending two years in charge of the Academy of Light.**

Reid leaves after a difficult campaign for both the under-18 and under-23 sides, who were both unable to win a single league game in their respective divisions.

The 38-year-old’s exit also follows a whole host of [players who have left the academy setup in recent times.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/promising-goalkeeper-agrees-new-deal-sunderland-announce-string-key-academy-contract-calls-2892221)

Young talent Bali Mumba seems to be the latest young talent set to leave the club with Premier League side [Norwich City](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/norwich-city-agree-ps350000-deal-sunderland-youngster-bali-mumba-new-contract-details-emerge-2894529) growing increasingly interested in securing his services.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

Reid, held the post for two years after previously working for Eastleigh Football Club under Black Cats owner Stewart Donald.

[A statement from Sunderland said](https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2020/june/paul-reid-leaves-safc): *“Sunderland AFC can today confirm that Paul Reid has left his position as academy manager with immediate effect.*

*“The club would like to place on record it’s thanks to Paul for his service throughout what has been a challenging two years for the club’s academy, including helping to ensure its category one status was retained.*

*“All at SAFC would like to wish Paul the very best for the future.”*

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

What is going on at Sunderland? Not only have the first team failed to secure promotion this term, but they have also now seen a whole host of personnel leave the club, which includes a number of young talents.

Are they preparing for a long stint in England’s third tier or has Stewart Donald simply given up in trying to build something at the club?

The failure and appalling record of the under-18 and under-23 sides this season just highlights how low the club has dropped though and those results do make this departure somewhat unsurprising.

***What do you make of Reid’s decision to leave the club? Let us know in the comments section below…***