Sunderland U21 Coach Praises Youth Development as Team Reaches Premier League 2 Playoffs
Written by Daniel Cooling on 12th May 2025
Sunderland U21 boss Graeme Murty reflects on Sunderland’s season after reaching the Premier League 2 playoffs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXH8XLT5QEQ
The Sunderland head coach spoke about how his team has performed over the course of the season despite his side recently suffering a 3-2 defeat against Tottenham.
Murty stated: “Tonight showed a strong desire to commit to our pathway to promote young players.”
“We made sure that they got varied experiences regardless of the opposition and level, so the season has been good for the U21s.”
Since his appointment as head coach he has helped develop young players that have been integrated into the first team like Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson. And this has continued this season with the likes of Harrison Jones making waves into the squad.
With this development of cropping young talent, it has helped the coach pick a well-established team to mold and compete in the Premier League 2 against Premier League club academies.
The club’s top-class facilities have played a key role in helping young players develop and break through. That progress has been reflected in strong performances throughout the season, earning the U21s a place in the Premier League 2 playoffs.
Sunderland U21s finished 13th and will face West Ham in the first round.
