Elliott Dickman expressed his sheer delight over his new role at the Academy of Light.
Andy Welsh’s departure to Wigan Athletic to become their head of coaching last week saw Dickman given the chance to become Sunderland under-23s boss.
A highly rated coach in the academy set up, Dickman has been a mainstay for many years and has helped with the progression of current first-team regulars Jordan Pickford, Duncan Watmore and Lynden Gooch rise through the ranks.
Speaking about his new role, Dickman shared his delight and thanked manager David Moyes and chief executive Martin Bain for the opportunity.
“I’m very grateful and honoured to be asked to become under-23s boss,” he said.
“The fact that Simon Wilson, the manager and Martin have all given the green light for that to happen it makes you feel great.
“I have got to make sure from a personal point of view that I take into that role what I have learned from the under-18s.
“I will be working really hard and doing my best to try and help the players develop and make sure the good work left by Andy is continued."
