Academy Director Given the Chop as Restructuring Continues

John Fickling today announced a restructuring of the Club’s Academy operations, which will see overall responsibility for player development pass to Mick McCarthy.

Academy Director Kees Zwamborn who joined Sunderland with responsibility for managing the Academy and overseeing the acquisition and development of young players is to leave the club over the summer by mutual agreement.

John Fickling said:

"We appointed Kees as a Premiership club with the associated financial resources but sadly circumstances have changed and that is no longer the case. In the current climate, there is a need to reduce costs whilst maintaining a quality Academy operation and this is why we have regrettably agreed to part company.

We would like to thank Kees for the job he has done and we wish him all the best for the future."