Nope. We really need to boost the academy pipeline as it’s looking a little thin. Can’t be losing the better prospects we have.
He was stand out last year. I cant see us not offering him one, although maybe he hasnt accepted one. There was rumours of some top interest in him like
Sunderland’s Under-21s were beaten 4–2 by West Ham United in Premier League 2 at Eppleton Colliery Welfare, with striker Timur Tutierov scoring twice in a spirited display from the young Black Cats. There was a welcome return to the starting XI for Ethan Moore, making his first appearance since March 2023 following a long-term injury, while scholars Tom Proctor, Joe Nield, Felix Scott and Archie Lightfoot were named on the bench. The visitors struck early through Mohamadou Kanté, before Emeka Adiele doubled their lead inside 20 minutes. Sunderland rallied and were rewarded when Tutierov lashed home from close range after being picked out by Moore. The Lads went into half-time 2–1 down, having grown into the contest. Sunderland came out brightly after the interval, with Jayden Jones rattling the bar and Jenson Jones denied by a smart save. But West Ham reasserted their advantage just before the hour mark as Josh Landers headed in Adiele’s cross. The forward struck again with 15 minutes remaining, finishing high into the net to make it 4–1 to the visitors. The young Black Cats continued to press forward, with Whittaker flashing a strike just over and Tutierov twice forcing the keeper into saves from distance. Their persistence finally told in stoppage time when Preston Fearon handled inside the area and was shown a red card. Tutierov stepped up and calmly converted the penalty into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit. Despite the late surge and a spirited showing across the pitch, West Ham saw the game out to take the points back to London. Sunderland XI: Allan, Jenson Jones, Holcroft (Nield), Kindon, Trialist, Burke (Proctor), Middlemas, Jaydon Jones, Tutierov, Moore (Scott), Whittaker (Lightfoot). Subs not used: Metcalf. my tuppence We finished strongly after another slow start, and good to see Nathan Moore back from his long injury. Toots is looking good and I like the lad Lightfoot, early days of course but a top prospect if ever I saw one. OaU
That after match Murty interview, wow, great insight as always into what must be a very difficult job.. OaU
