'There are groups interested...': Sunderland AFC Q&A - as we answer your takeover, academy and transfer questions

While the League One season may have come to an early end, the news doesn't stop at the Stadium of Light – where there remain a number of unresolved issues.
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From ongoing uncertainty over the club’s ownership to concerns over the academy, supporters have plenty of questions about the current state of play at Sunderland AFC.

We invited you to send in questions on social media and via our WhatsApp breaking news service for our writers, Richard Mennear (RM) and Mark Donnelly (MD) to answer.

Here’s what they had to say about your burning queries:

Our Sunderland AFC writers answer your burning questions about Sunderland AFCOur Sunderland AFC writers answer your burning questions about Sunderland AFC
Our Sunderland AFC writers answer your burning questions about Sunderland AFC

Q: What is the plan now for the academy? Fans are growing concerned that a lot of prospects are leaving the club.

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RM: Fans are understandably concerned about a range of issues at Sunderland AFC, not least the future of the Category One status academy.

A host of promising youngsters have left the club in the past couple of years, with Bali Mumba in line for a surprise move to Norwich City.

Joe Hugill is set to join Manchester United, linking up with Logan Pye. Other players to leave include Luca Stephenson, Sam Greenwood, Luke Hewitson and Morten Spencer since Stewart Donald took charge.

The results of the Under-23 and Under-18 sides have been very poor this season and there are big concerns over the production line in terms of the quality of player coming through and whether they are ready for the first team.

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At this level, academies are vital to clubs, especially at Sunderland given the cost around the Category One status. It is imperative the club retains its academy otherwise you risk losing a generation of young footballers elsewhere. It is the future of SAFC.

Fans quizzed club bosses about the academy last week and were told while the club had to balance investment in the first team with investment in the academy, there were no plans to scale it back. Fans will hope that is the case as it is integral to the club’s future.

MD: The club has long been proud of its academy status and so it is little surprise to hear of supporters’ concerns regarding the future of it - particularly given the news of the last few months, with a number of prospects having departed for pastures new.

There are a few factors at play here. Firstly, the EPPP system wasn’t designed to see a category one academy linked to a League One side. While that does give Sunderland some advantages in terms of initially recruiting players, it does leave them vulnerable to having some of their better players taken away by Premier League sides.

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There are some serious questions to be asked, though, over how much the club is doing to keep their brightest prospects. The fees received for the likes of Bali Mumba and Joe Hugill seem modest at best and reek of short-termism - a desire to receive a quick financial boost, with little thought for the future. But in the long-term, the academy could be vital to the growth and progression of Sunderland.

The club say they remain committed to maintaining their category one academy status, but serious questions will be asked of how many players currently in the Black Cats’ under-18 and under-23 ranks could actually make the grade.

I have high hopes for Jack Diamond, who is being courted by a number of League Two sides ahead of next season should Sunderland be willing to allow him out on loan, but there are precious few other players knocking on the door. That has to change.

Q: Is there any realistic hope of a takeover this summer or are we stuck with the current ownership?

RM: That’s the million dollar question. Fans want change and it’s clear change is needed. Stewart Donald’s stock is at an all-time low on Wearside and he always said he would sell when fans told him it was time. That time is now.

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There is, however, a great deal of uncertainty in the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, not least when next season will start and when crowds will be allowed back in.

Two key factors for any potential new owners to consider given the reliance on matchday income and season ticket sales.

Donald must also lower his asking price, given the club is to spend a third season in League One. There is nothing imminent but we know there are groups interested.

Fans may have to be patient a little longer. The fanbase has suffered for too long now.

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MD: I think it’s unlikely we’ll see any change in the club’s ownership before the start of the 2020/21 season.

We do know there are groups interested in the club - and to be clear, that information is coming from potential buyers and not the club itself - but there is a reluctance to act when so much is unclear.

Football clubs are facing an unprecedented period without regular match day income and this will naturally see interested parties take a more cautious approach.

There is also the question over Stewart Donald’s asking price which is regarded by some potential buyers as unrealistic. We do know that staggered payments have been discussed with some groups, while Madrox have repeatedly stated they can be ‘flexible within reason’ over the price.

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But while there are people interested at the moment, there is nothing in the way of advanced talks. Given that due diligence can take weeks, if not months, to complete properly, I think it’s unlikely that we’ll see new owners at the Stadium of Light in the short-term.

Q: Why have Sunderland only offered Anthony Patterson a one-year contract? Isn’t he supposed to be one of our brightest prospects?

RM: There is every chance Anthony Patterson could be No2 keeper next season to Lee Burge, should Jon McLaughlin leave for Blackburn Rovers, as is widely expected.

Patterson is highly thought of and this is a chance for him to stake a claim and earn a longer deal, should he sign the new contract offer on the table.

It’s a good opportunity for him. It is a little surprising it is only one year but Patterson still has to prove himself at this level so understandable.

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MD: Firstly, it’s pleasing to see that attempts are being made to retain Patterson as he has been a consistently strong performer in a disappointing season for the under-23 side.

I do share the surprise of some supporters that he has only been offered a one-year deal, though. At 20, you would hope that Patterson’s best years lie ahead of him - and a longer-term contract could well have suited both parties.

It may be partly down to caution on Sunderland’s side - given Patterson’s only senior experience has come in the Northern League - but I think the stopper has shown enough to warrant a longer deal.

Q: When should we expect Sunderland to make their first signing?

RM: I’d be surprised if it was anytime soon. The first priority is to sort the futures of those 10 players coming to the end of their deals this month.

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Also, with the Championship season not ending until the end of July, then patience is going to be key this summer, as Phil Parkinson has already stated, as the better opportunities may come along later in the summer.

There is a lot of uncertainty in football and there will also be a lot of players available on a free, around 1,400 so the clubs will have more of the power this summer.

There is also a good chance that players that may have been out of reach are now in Sunderland’s bracket as wages are likely to come down.

It is going to be an interesting summer.

MD: Phil Parkinson spoke last week about targeting players who potentially leave Premier League and Championship clubs, and those decisions may not be made for a number of weeks yet.

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Indeed, with so much still uncertain - including when the 2020/21 season will begin and how many, if any, supporters will be allowed into grounds at that point - clubs across the EFL will be finding it difficult to plan. Much will depend on whether clubs can count on income coming in from paying supporters.

I don’t think there’s any need to panic at the moment given that it is widely expected that the League One season is expected to begin in September, giving Parkinson another three months to finalise his squad.

While we may see the odd bit of business completed this month, it would be little surprise if things don’t ramp-up until July - when there is a clearer picture of what lies ahead.

Q: Will Sunderland be restricted to just free agent signings again this summer, or will they spend some money?

RM: It probably depends who owns the club as it’s not yet clear what level of budget will be handed to Phil Parkinson this summer.

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At this level most business involves free transfers or loans or small transfer fees, you don’t have to spend big to win promotion. Sunderland spent £3million on Will Grigg and look how that turned out.

However, Sunderland don’t have any parachute payments anymore and there is uncertainty over next season regards when it will start or when fans will be allowed back in so all these factors are taken into consideration when deciding on budgets etc.

It is a complex picture for any lower league club.

MD: Given the events of the last few months, and the unpredictability that lies ahead, I think we’ll see a real shift in the market this summer.

There are likely to be over 1,400 players available on a free transfer this summer and, with clubs tightening the purse strings, I’d imagine we will see a scenario where few transfer fees are paid - particularly in League One.

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That’s not to say that no money will change hands over the course of the next few months, but it would be little surprise to see, say, 95 per cent of transfers in the third tier being those which involve free agents.

Sunderland fans are naturally skeptical about the free agent market given the club’s hit-and-miss approach in recent years, so the key this summer will be picking the right free agents. Jordan Willis needs to act as the standard-bearer, and here’s hoping Parkinson and the club’s recruitment team can unearth some more gems this summer. Fans, for now though, will undoubtedly remain skeptical about the club’s ability to do that.

Q: Do you think Phil Parkinson is the man to lead Sunderland next season? Supporters are split.

RM: It has been a difficult start to life on Wearside given the poor run of results to start with and then the suspension of football.

However, there were signs after Christmas when Sunderland looked to have turned their season around that Parkinson has what it takes to challenge for promotion.

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He deserves a full summer and chance to make his mark, the players certainly looked fitter during his time in charge.

Again, a lot of it may well depend on the ownership and whether there is a change in the boardroom but as things stand Parkinson is certainly planning for next season.

MD: Yes, I’d back Parkinson next season.

I can understand why some supporters are yet to be convinced, given that for every strong performance under his leadership there has been an equally disappointing one. But given a summer to make his mark on the squad, and to assemble a group of players that can fit into his desired system, I really do believe that Parkinson can have Sunderland competing for promotion.

Consistency will be key, and is something his reign thus far has lacked, but I’m prepared to give him an opportunity to assemble his own squad and put his mark on the club.