After taking up the Under-18s job last year, Paul Bryson is hoping to of emulate the previous success within Sunderland's academy system.
Players like Jordan Henderson, Jack Colback and Jordan Pickford were all guided by Bryson at some stage of their careers, and all have credit some of their development to him.
This past season, the Under-18s struggled on the pitch as they dealt with a squad decimated with injuries, while also being without some of their key players who had graduated to the Under-23 and first-team squads.
“I started the role in October, the first couple of months I was with the 15s and 16s, and then I moved into the 18s. Obviously, it is quite different and there are different expectations.
“Whilst it is still a development team, you still want to do well as a team. It has been a struggle this year, I can’t get away from that fact, but one or two circumstances have led to the struggle.
“But some of that has been good. Bali Mumba, Kane Evans and Dan Neil have been playing with the 23s most of the season,and that is great for their development.
“In that starting XI we have had a goalie, two centre backs and centre forward out, but the good thing is that we have been able to expose the 15s and 16s to this level football, which is brilliant for their development and that is what it is about for the future.”
One of the good things about this season has been the fact that Sunderland have seen many of their academy players playing above their age groups, but a winning mentality is important.
If players play for the 16s, they will see more of the ball and help them develop their skills, but playing above their ages also means that they will learn defensive responsibilities.
“I personally think it is important for players to play above their age group because it pushes them on, it challenges them.
“In the long run, they are in a better position rather than them being a slow burner year in, year out. You see kids who come in and they show more hunger and desire than those in the system. There are different stages to everybody’s development, though, and they all have ups and downs – that is football.”
The process of moving players into higher age groups is not one taken lightly, but just how do Bryson, Elliot Dickman and Jack Ross decide who should be promoted?
“The gaffer is great - he always wants to know how the kids do," he explained.
“Dan Neil had a bad injury, but he started to get his fitness back towards the end of last year.
“This year, he did pre-season with us and played four games, and then he was then promoted to the 23s and has stayed there ever since. Me and Elliott have a really good relationship when it comes to that.”
Next season, Paul will be hoping to have a more settled squad and the chance to grow some of those younger players who featured in the Under-18s this past season.
“We have 12 new scholars signing and it is a good group.
They will cherish and flourish the opportunities, so I am expecting a much better season.”