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Paul Reid has said that he helped to reduce costs at Sunderland’s academy by over 20% and says ‘progress’ was made in a number of key areas during his time as academy manager.

Sunderland announced his departure a fortnight ago and Reid has spoken on his exit for the first time on his LinkedIn page.

Supporters have been left concerned about the future of Sunderland’s category one academy, after a bruising year in which neither the U18 or U23 side was able to register a league win.

A raft of talented players have also left the club before signing professional contracts, leaving a lack of depth and a huge rebuilding job to be done this summer.

Reid was appointed to the role in the aftermath of Stewart Donald’s takeover, having previously worked as head of recruitment at Eastleigh FC.

In his LinkedIn post, Reid said it had been an ‘incredible’ experience at a ‘complex, yet fantastic football club’.

“Some of my network will be aware that I stepped away from role at Sunderland AFC last week,” Reid wrote.

Paul Reid's first words on Sunderland exit and academy tenure - and the 'progress' made during his time in charge