U21s boss Murty leaves Sunderland

Graeme Murty has left his role as Sunderland's Under-21s boss as the club undertake an Academy revamp ahead of the new season.

Murty was Head of Sunderland’s Professional Development Phase (17s to 21s) and joined the Black Cats from Rangers in October 2022. He spent close to three years overseeing the U21s.

Head of Coaching Stuart English said: “I’d like to personally thank Graeme for his service to Sunderland AFC and wish him all the best for the future.”

Murty added: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with so many talented players, coaches and dedicated support staff during my time in the Academy. I’m so proud of everything we have collectively achieved over the last four years, and as importantly, the superb progress we have made as an Academy team.

“Watching Tommy Watson clinch the Club’s return to the Premier League was a moment every Academy staff member will cherish. I wish the Club continued and sustained success in the future, building on an amazing return to the Premier League.”

Murty, 51, is a former Scotland international who took Academy roles at Southampton and Norwich before joining Rangers in 2016 to become Lead Development Squad Coach.

He was also twice placed in caretaker charge of the first team at Ibrox before becoming full-time manager for six months December 2017.

Murty’s exit comes shortly after John Hewitson was promoted to Head of Academy after seven years with Sunderland, succeeding Robin Nicholls, who left at the end of the season to become Academy Director at New York City FC.

Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi has underlined the Academy’s importance to the club, describing it as “a fundamental part of Sunderland AFC’s identity and our future” and framing Hewitson’s promotion as an expression of the club’s identity.