Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, expressed that gaining promotion to the Premier League would validate their focus on youth development. Ahead of the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United, Speakman highlighted that most of the team comprises young players, with only two over the age of 25. Notable academy graduates like Dan Neil and Chris Rigg illustrate the club's commitment to nurturing talent. Speakman acknowledged the challenges faced over the years but emphasized that achieving promotion would reflect their dedicated strategy of integrating youth into the squad, marking a significant milestone in their journey from League One to potential Premier League status.
This year, Rigg, still not 18 until next month, was named best young player in the Championship along with team-mate Jobe Bellingham, still only 19.
Speakman said, 'We've lived and breathed what we feel our strategy should be and some of those really important principles. One of those is the integration of young players.'
Collection
[
|
...
]