Elliott Dickman has praised team mentality ahead of Sunderland under-18s’ pre-season opener against Gateshead College this weekend.
The young Black Cats returned to training on Monday to begin their initial tests ahead of the 2016-17 U18 Premier League campaign.
With a host of players now involved in the development squad set-up, Dickman has welcomed in nine new faces to the youth team squad as he prepares for the Lads’ first competitive fixture.
But while that remains over a month away, Dickman has revealed he has been impressed by the attitude of his players ahead of their pre-season curtain-raiser tomorrow against Gateshead College.
“It’s good that they have clicked together because you can see it on the training ground,” he said. “When two age groups – under-17 and under-18 – join together it's never going to be easy.
“I have been impressed by what I have seen because they are working hard, getting on well and that can only be a positive.
He continued: “It’s all about getting back to habits, getting a feel for the ball, getting their legs going and getting them prepared for our game this weekend.
“It’s important the players understand angles and positions that they need to be taking on the pitch. In this initial match we are just looking for the basics and it’s important that we get back into game mode.”
