Under 23s coach Andy Welsh is to leave the club to take up the role of head of coaching at Wigan Athletic FC. Sunderland AFC would like to thank Andy for his service and wish him well in his new role.
Long-serving assistant academy manager Elliott Dickman will take charge of Sunderland’s under 23 side, assisted by academy coach and former Sunderland player Cliff Byrne.
Elliott follows in the footsteps of first-team coach Robbie Stockdale, who progressed from the club’s highly rated academy set up to the under 23s and then to the first team.
Academy coach Mark Atkinson is to step up to the role of under 18s manager, continuing his upward progress since joining the club in 2006.
Sunderland AFC’s chief football officer, Simon Wilson said: “Our Academy is not only about developing Sunderland players it is also about developing Sunderland coaches. Therefore, as a club, we are really keen that we can promote from within. The coach development programme at Sunderland is something we take great pride and care in and ensures that when we do promote our coaches, they are fully ready for their next step.”