Sunderland under-18s assistant lead coach Michael Proctor can see a clear progression in his side’s pre-season performances, but that hasn’t stopped him demanding even more from his squad.
The Black Cats former striker praised his players’ recent performances at the Academy of Light, with the standout one being their 4-0 victory over Hull City.
And while Proctor refused to get carried away with that result, he was full of positivity after his side continued to put their early defeat to Hartlepool behind them.
“Pre-season so far for the under-18s has been mainly getting the new scholars used to the daily demands,” he said.
“It is a big change for them from being at school and in the under-16s, so we’ve been busy integrating them into the group and the second years have been great with them.
“Already there are signs of togetherness which was a huge plus last season. The lads brought into what we wanted to achieve and the culture here at the academy.
“At the minute the lads aren’t too far away from where we want them to be,” he continued.
“They have had a really tough couple of weeks because we have tested them mentality and pushed them to their physical limits.
“There will be times this season when they need to find that reserve and be mentally strong.
“We are starting to see the shoots of progression and we are starting to see good performances, but most importantly pre-season so far has been a good work out and the fitness levels are getting to where we want them to be ready for the start of the season.”
