5 Things We've Learnt From Sunderland's Friendlies So Far

4. The Kids Are Alright

For the majority of the opening sixty minutes in our three friendlies so far, the team have laboured against their weaker opponents, putting together the odd decent passing move, but still looking lost; understandable considering a lot of them have played little football together. But then, with the game ebbing out, a spark of light has emerged from the bench in the form of our youth team, and my goodness have they taken their chance this summer. They have arrived on the pitch with enthusiasm, commitment, little fear, and most importantly a hint of technique and skill, and certainly in the Carlisle and Hartlepool games, they have lifted the team to victory. Since the Academy of Light opened in 2003, there have been frustrations that it hasn€™t produced the talent it promised. However, those who argue its success can point to Jordan Henderson, Jack Colback, and Martyn Waghorn who have all played at the top level, whilst there are countless success stories in the lower leagues who were schooled in Cleadon. The signs for the future look positive as well. Mikael Mandron has already had a taste of first team football, and looks a fine, pacy prospect up front, Andrew Cartright notched twice against the Pools and could be the future at right back, whilst George Honeyman has been the most impressive so far this pre-season, looking ahead of years in the centre of the midfield. Playing the Poyet way also seems to have given the kids new found confidence, and if their development continues, the Sunderland production line could be the key to our future success in the coming years.