Sunderland: Fans react to the club maintaining its level 1 academy status

Sunderland have endured a lot of setbacks in recent years, and this season has followed a similar pattern, with fan unrest, a manager being sacked, and the team finding itself outside of the play-off places.

Any good news, therefore, is a good reason for fans to get excited, and although there has been recent progress on the pitch, as demonstrated by Phil Parkinson’s nomination for January League One Manager of the Month, there has been a positive development off it, too.

A recent audit of the club’s academy by the Premier League has seen the club retain their Category 1 youth system, a factor that should hold great appeal in recruiting new young players.

It may be a bit of a surprise given the lack of form of Sunderland u23s this term, with the side sitting bottom of Premier League 2 Division 2 without a win to their name in 16 games.

Despite that, Sunderland have enjoyed the contributions of three academy players in their squad this season – Denver Hume, Lynden Gooch and Duncan Watmore – so the club is certainly reaping the rewards.

Here is some of the reaction to the news.

What’s the point when Donald just sells anything we produce before they even make the first team?

— Nick W (@nickw128) February 5, 2020

Massive coup for Paul Reid, take a bow son

— YJ LONG-LAMBTON (@YungLambton) February 5, 2020

Good to finally hear a bit of accountability regarding the U18’s & U21’s

— Donald Out! (@Bunney_91) February 5, 2020

Just need to try and retain all the young talent now. If that’s the case there’s no reason why not invest the appropriate finances within the academy and build upon recent successes

— Andrew Pinkney (@aspi80) February 5, 2020