'Heart-breaking' - Sunderland chief explains why club won't allow another mass exodus of young academy talent

Durham-born Joe Hugill, 17, now on the verge of Manchester United’s first team, was one of several younger players to leave the club under the previous regime, with Logan Pye also heading to Old Trafford.

Stewart Donald’s regime came under heavy criticism from fans angry at seeing the club’s young talent either sold off or depart for pastures new with the club struggling to retain their best academy talent.

Sam Greenwood also moved to Arsenal, Luca Stephenson joined Liverpool, while young goalkeeper Luke Hewitson, among others, have also left the club.

Davison is a key part of new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' management team tasked with overseeing all aspects of the club's business operation, as Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman sets out rebuilding the footballing structure.

A lifelong supporter of the club, Davison has opened up on the challenge ahead in an interview with North East Times Magazine – and reflected on the young players that left in recent seasons.

“Heart-breaking,” he said.

“That won’t be allowed to happen again.

“Our aim is to give the opportunity for young players, particularly in the region, to come and play and develop as footballers at the football club.

“That is clearly part of what we’re doing, which is why we brought in Kristjaan Speakman from Birmingham City as the sporting director.

“We may end up selling some of course and they won’t all be right for Sunderland but giving them football career opportunities is a really important part of our plan.

“I loved the players in the 1980s because we had players who were born in Sunderland playing for Sunderland who had come through the youth ranks.

“We would like to see lots of Sunderland-born Gary Rowells quite frankly – that is definitely what we are aiming for,” he added.

Davison says Louis-Dreyfus' commitment to the project at the Stadium of Light is underlined by his move to the region and his prominent role in the early months of his tenure.

Promotion-chasing Sunderland host Charlton Athletic on Wearside on Saturday afternoon.

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