'Big transition': Sunderland coach reveals summer transfer plans as host of new signings eyed

Sunderland’s under-23 side are set for a ‘big transition’ this summer, with a host of new additions eyed.
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That’s according to coach Michael Proctor who says there will be a natural evolution of the club’s second string this summer.

The Black Cats’ under-23 side came agonisingly close to gaining promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1, but lost out on penalties to Crystal Palace in the promotion play-off final.

Sunderland coach Michael Proctor. Picture: Ian HorrocksSunderland coach Michael Proctor. Picture: Ian Horrocks
Sunderland coach Michael Proctor. Picture: Ian Horrocks
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For some of those involved, it will have been their last game in red and white – while others may find themselves involved in the first-team squad next season.

And that means there will be some fresh faces arriving at the Academy of Light over the summer.

Proctor and manager Elliott Dickman have already cast their eye over a number of trialists in recent weeks, with Tyrese Dyce, Tom Scott and Ethan Kachosa all involved across the play-off campaign.

That trio will be under consideration for a longer-term stay, while Sunderland will also continue to monitor a number of other players in the coming weeks.

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But while focus will soon turn to incomings, Proctor was keen to hail the current crop – and in particular those who could soon depart.

"They’ve given everything this season,” he said of the current squad.

"They’ve stepped up to the plate. Some of those players unfortunately won’t be at the club next season, but still they gave everything they had.

"The difficulty with under-23 football is that every season is different, as we found out in the last couple of seasons.

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"There will be a big transition and a lot of new players coming in.

"The ones who are coming in from outside the football club, we have to instil in them the values that we expect from a Sunderland player.

"If we show them a video of the play-off final, I’m sure that will show them everything they need to know about playing for this football club.

"We’re constantly looking to improve and bring better players into the football club,” he continued.

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"That has started already. I’m not really thinking about that too much after the result.”

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