Jimmy Sinclair has laid his expectations for the academy out, admitting his aim is to mould players that fit the club’s DNA.
The academy manager joined the club in February 2017 and has since spent the last few months assessing the young players the club have at their exposal.
With Josh Maja and Joel Asoro the latest names to be in and around the first-team mix, Sinclair has followed Simon Grayson’s mantra by highlights importance of the city’s working-class background as a vital ingredient to install into any player coming through.
Speaking to safc.com, Sinclair praised the work that had been done before him and shed light onto how he wants to develop the academy further.
“The expectation from every age is that the players show improvement throughout the season,” Sinclair said.
“The results aren’t critical but it is a good vehicle and a good barometer to gauge how you are doing.
“Everyone likes to win games but the overriding aim throughout the season is to make sure these young players almost game on game get better.
“There needs to be a common focus and a common goal.
“There needs to be among the players a clear idea that a Sunderland player has a certain DNA,” he continued.
“Apart from anything else they need to give 100% and that has to be the first thing you have in your bag when you pull up into the car park.
“When you add ability, flexibility and creativity to your aspects you are getting towards the type of player you would acquire.
“There needs to be an understanding that the jersey you are wearing is important and standing up to that.”