This is what Sunderland AFC are looking for as search for new Academy Manager begins

Dickman left the club last week after 18 months in the role and a two-decade long association with the club.

Stuart English, appointed by Sporting Director as Head of Coaching last year, is currently acting as interim academy manager while the appointment process takes place.

Sunderland are again working with recruitment firm Executives in Sport Group, who they have used for many significant hires behind the club in recent times.

The job advert, posted on Training Ground Guru, reads: "Following promotion to the Championship Sunderland AFC are continuing to strengthen both on and off the pitch.

"We are actively seeking a new Academy Manager who will oversee the strategic and tactical development of all key academy functions. The individual will also be responsible for all administrative and regulatory requirements.

"Based at the club’s Academy of Light, considered amongst the best football training facilities in Europe, we’re a Cat 1 Academy and home to all the club’s representative teams, from the youngest age groups through to the U18, U23 and senior squads as well as the Sunderland Ladies team."

The advert goes on to explain some of the key roles in the job, including:

-Communicate and promote the Club identity internally and externally to enhance an elite high-performance environment.

-Report to the Senior Management Team / Board of Directors on the progress of the Academy programme in relation to the performance targets through an end of year report and an appropriate action plan.

-With the authority of the Executive Team be responsible for negotiations on behalf of the Club relating to staff recruitment, player contracts, training compensation and transfer fees.

-Ratify all decisions relating to the retain and release process inclusive of professional contracts.

-Liaison with U23 Coach and 1st team / Loans Coordinator on the effective use of loans within the pathway.

You can read job advert in full here.

Sunderland are currently in a period of significant transition behind the scenes at the Academy of Light.

As well as a new academy manager, the club are also seeking to recruit a head of the professional development phase after Mike Dodds was promoted permanently to Alex Neil's senior coaching staff.

With Michael Proctor also moving into the first-team coaching setup on a permanent basis, the club also need to recruit a new lead coach for the U21 side.

The Black Cats appointed Alessandro Barcherini as head of goalkeeping last week, with the former Leeds United coach set to work closely with Mark Prudhoe.

Jamie Harley was also recently appointed as head of performance and medicine as the club looks to rebuild its infrastructure following the turbulent period marked by consecutive relegations and four years in League One.

Sunderland have retained the Category One academy status for the current season, but are hopeful of securing a three-year licence when they are assessed again next year.

Securing that licence will be a key part of the new academy manager's brief, when appointed.

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