Sunderland set to bolster academy with key appointment

Sunderland are set to bolster their academy with the appointment of Stuart English from Birmingham City, it is reported.
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Birmingham Live are reporting English is set to join the staff at Sunderland’s Category One academy after five years in Birmingham.

English’s current role at the Championship club is academy No2, though reports in Birmingham state English also holds an Academy Managers’ licence - a role that is currently vacant at Sunderland.

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If the appointment is confirmed it would be the second senior staff member to move from Birmingham to the North East in recent months.

Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

In December, Sunderland’s major rebuild – with the takeover imminent – began with the appointment of Kristjaan Speaman to the role of Sporting Director.

On English, Birmingham Live report: “English holds a UEFA A licence and before coming to Blues spent five years at Brentford, where he rose to head of coaching and worked alongside former Blues player and coach Lee Carsley.

“He also holds an Academy Managers licence and could potentially take a similar role at Sunderland.”

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Meanwhile, Speakman was handed a wide brief at the club when his arrival was confirmed last month.

The 41-year-old will lead Sunderland’s overall football programme, and will be handed a major role in club recruitment from the academy to first-team level.

He has been tasked with ‘reviewing and implementing new strategies’ in areas such as data analytics and innovation.

A vital part of his remit will also be in establishing a ‘clear pathway’ to the first team for academy players.

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