Ex-Brentford and Birmingham City coaching guru departs Sunderland after almost six years at Academy of Light
Stuart English has confirmed his Sunderland departure after almost six years working across the first team and academy
Stuart English has confirmed his departure as Sunderland’s head of coaching after almost six years at the club.
English, who previously worked at Brentford and Birmingham City, announced the end of his time on Wearside in a farewell statement reflecting on his work across the first team and academy.
He joined Sunderland in February 2021 after more than five years as Birmingham’s assistant academy manager. Before that, he spent five years at Brentford, where his roles included head of coaching and lead foundation phase coach.
English described his position at Sunderland as a “unique role” and expressed pride in a period which included two promotions, the emergence of several academy players and the club’s return to the Premier League. In his farewell statement, English said: “After just over 5 years and 9 months, my time at SAFC has come to an end.
“What a journey it has been and one I’m very proud of. I would like to thank the Club for giving me a unique role where I was Head of Coaching across the 1st team and Academy. This gave me new experiences and has allowed me to grow and develop considerably.
Join The Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.
“During this period, Academy players such as Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, Tommy Watson and Chris Rigg have been promoted to the 1st team. Alongside this, the club had two play-off final promotions and last year a very successful first season back in the Premier League. The Academy maintained its Category 1 status and has continued to gain positive feedback from auditors and the Premier League.
“SAFC is a special club, and it’s been an honour working here for such a long period of time. I would like to thank everyone that welcomed me and supported me, including staff, players, parents and coaches. I believe some good foundations have been set for The Club, 1st Team and Academy to continue the positive momentum. I wish SAFC every success for the future.”
English’s coaching career also includes four years as a football development officer at Luton Town, having previously worked as a community coach with Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps. His farewell statement did not outline the reason for his departure or reveal his next move.