Exclusive:James Copley’s Sunderland notebook: Ghisolfi-Speakman differences, secret friendly and non-league support

Every now and then, it is worth pulling together a few smaller bits of Sunderland information that do not necessarily sit neatly as full stories on their own, but still give a decent insight into what is going on behind the scenes.

This notebook does exactly that, covering the early impressions of Florent Ghisolfi, a low-key U21 friendly at the Academy of Light, the search for a new academy manager and Sunderland’s growing reputation in the North East youth and non-league scene.

Early impressions of Florent Ghisolfi

During conversations with people in the know over recent weeks, one theme that has come through is the difference in style between Florent Ghisolfi and Kristjaan Speakman. This needs to be written carefully and fairly, because both have played important roles in Sunderland’s modern story. Speakman was a major figure in the club’s rebuild and eventual rise from League One to the Premier League, and that should not be forgotten.

But there does appear to be a different feel with Ghisolfi. The feedback from those who have dealt with him is that he is more of a straight talker. He is seen as someone who gets to the point quickly, provides clarity and gives more direct answers. One source described him as “spot-on”, while others have spoken positively about how switched on he is and how clearly he communicates.

Speakman, by comparison, was viewed by some as more of a talker. That is not meant as a dig, but some sources felt his answers could occasionally leave a little more open to interpretation. Ghisolfi, on the other hand, is seen as more direct in terms of explaining where things stand.

There is also a feeling that his time working in Italy has shaped him. That environment, with its intensity, politics and directness, appears to have influenced his approach. Early days, of course, but the first impressions from those around the game are positive.

A secret friendly at the Academy of Light

Another interesting little line from this week was that Sunderland U21s played a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Academy of Light on Wednesday afternoon against Wolves. “Secret” might be slightly dramatic, but it was certainly low-key and not one that was widely publicised.

There was no major first-team interest in terms of Régis Le Bris’ senior players being involved, but there were still a few notable names in the group. Timur Tuterov featured after returning from his loan spell at Exeter City, while Milan Aleksic and Ahmed Abdullahi were also involved. Trey Ogunsuyi was named on the bench after returning to the club ahead of the summer break, having spent time on loan at Falkirk and Shrewsbury Town this season.

The Echo understands the game was arranged to help Graeme Murty’s side prepare for the Premier League Cup final against Burnley at the Stadium of Light later this month. Sunderland U21s have put together an impressive run in the competition, and the friendly gave them another chance to sharpen up before one of the standout academy fixtures of the season. The game finished 2-2 in the end.

The academy manager job

One important position Sunderland will need to fill this summer is academy manager. Robin Nicholls is set to depart for MLS after a successful spell at the Academy of Light, and his exit leaves Sunderland with a key appointment to make. Again, speaking to people around the academy and youth football scene, Nicholls is very well thought of. Sources have described him as extremely effective and a dream to deal with when it comes to young players.

That matters, because academy football is not just about talent identification. It is about managing players, parents, agents, expectations, opportunities and setbacks. By all accounts, Nicholls handled that side of the job very well. His departure will therefore be felt, but Sunderland’s wider academy reputation remains strong.

Why Sunderland are attractive to young players

Sunderland are currently seen by many as the best club in the North East for youth development. That is a big statement, but it is one that has come up in several conversations. Agents working in the region generally view Sunderland as a club with clear plans, clear pathways and honest communication when it comes to young players.

The Academy of Light is also a major factor. Sunderland’s facilities are currently regarded as superior to Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, which gives the club a real selling point when trying to attract and retain talent. Another point that should not be underestimated is Sunderland’s willingness to negotiate and renegotiate contracts for young players who improve.

Sometimes that might only be a couple of hundred pounds here or there on a basic wage. In Premier League football terms, that is peanuts. But for teenage players just starting out, it can be massive. It also sends a message that progress is being recognised. That sort of detail matters in youth football. Players, families and agents notice it.

Sunderland’s non-league links

A final little bit of notebook gossip concerns Sunderland’s relationship with the North East non-league scene. The Black Cats remain a key pillar and supporter of that level of the game locally, partly through the way they use non-league football to give young players senior experience.

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Hebburn Town benefited during their title-winning campaign this season by taking Dan Cameron, Isaac Allen and Jake Waters on loan. South Shields also had Ollie Bainbridge, while a little further afield, York City were boosted in their promotion-winning campaign to League Two by the presence of Sunderland defender Zak Johnson.

Sunderland also regularly play friendlies against North East non-league opposition during pre-season and have allowed clubs such as South Shields and Hebburn Town to train at the Academy of Light in recent times. Again, these things might not always make big headlines, but they are noticed. Within the North East non-league bubble, Sunderland are viewed extremely positively and quite possibly as the most well-thought-of club in the region when it comes to that relationship.

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