Elliott Dickman believes the tweaks to the games programme in the development leagues has provided the launchpad for success.
Sunderland under-23s enjoyed over 40 competitive matches last term, competing in the reformed Checkatrade Trophy against Football League opposition and facing some of Europe’s best sides in the International Cup.
Running alongside their regular Premier League 2 campaign, Dickman’s side also entered a new look League Cup tournament which saw them play a further seven matches.
And the success was a sight to behold.
Victory over League Two club Notts County in November was a notable highlight before the Lads signed off their season in front of 18,000 fans in the International Cup final against Portuguese giants Porto.
Speaking to safc.com, Dickman praised impact of the changes but admitted there is still room for improvement to help further player development.
“The involvement in the Checkatrade was a new addition and I think it was something that we were all pleasantly surprised with,” he said.
“It was good for the lads to be able to play against first team players in their respective leagues.
“It has been tough at times especially as we’ve played almost every four days.
“It has been difficult to get any development training in place but it is the reality of men’s football.
“First teams in the Football League play 40-50 matches a season so why shouldn’t the under-23s?
“It is probably one of the best bits they (the Premier League) have got right at this moment in time, that the games programme has increased.
“I do feel they can still improve it and it is not necessarily about the quantity or quality (of games), it is about the type of team you play against.
“Reflecting from our game against Porto, who play in the equivalent of our Championship, you can see what it does for their players.
“They have to deal with men and they have got to be a little bit smarter and quicker, and that’s something hopefully we can replicate.”
