This is turning out to be one of the most exciting and uplifting pre-seasons for many a year - if ever - for Sunderland fans. Every day potentially holds another surprise through the Academy gates, but today’s announcement holds a deeper and more powerful message from KLD et al.
Three new coaches have been appointed to bolster and bring a huge amount of experience and technical know-how, to assist RLB and further propel our club into steady waters.
Luciano Vulcano (no, not Spock’s Italian cousin as I’ve just read some wag put on the socials) has worked at Inter Milan, AC Milan, Fiorentina and currently at Al Nassr, has come in as Assistant Head Coach.
Isidre Madir has worked at Barcelona, Valencia and also has some experience of the Premier League with a spell at Watford.
Finally, a new goalkeeping coach - Neil Cutler - who, after a lengthy career himself, has worked mainly in the Midlands, with WBA, Wolves and with Steven Gerrard at Villa. He then went on to work with England’s Under-20s.
What a list! What a wealth of input they can bring. It got me thinking about the structure of a club (or any big business in general). There are, of course, the players, who draw most attention, and have been the focus of this window. There’s the bricks and mortar, the SOL and any improvements that KLD has in store. It wouldn’t surprise me if an extension to the Roker End wasn’t forthcoming soon, as apparently he has applied to renew the planning permission which ran out years ago. As well as all the other staff that keep the club running, we have the ‘senior management’. Most clubs or businesses might be able to muddle along without a good senior management team, but with a good team, full of motivators, experience, innovators - people who know their jobs and can bring experience with them from other parts of the world - a club can go far.
It’s another step forward for SAFC. Another statement that most of us didn’t expect or were aware of needing attention. But once again, the club have shown they’re a step ahead of the fans’ thoughts, and maybe of other clubs.
These appointments point to a determination to make our foundations solid, whilst also looking to build for the future, and let everyone know we mean business. Inspired! Well done to all concerned.
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**Gav says...**
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In his interview with the club website on Tuesday, Kristjaan Speakman spoke about “scaling up” in several areas of the club, and that’s all that this is, really — Sunderland recognising what they are, which is a Premier League football club, and acting like one.
It’s almost like a switch was flicked the moment Tommy Watson scored that goal at Wembley — we were in Premier League mode, and whatever plan we had ready for top flight football was executed and put into place. We had moves lined up for players and coaches and we pressed ahead, because there was no time to wait.
The introduction of these coaches to the staff can only be a net positive, as far as I’m concerned. The experience each of these three individuals have is commendable in their own right. Vulcano has held significant positions at several high profile football clubs across the world; Ramon Madir has worked at the likes of Barcelona and with the Spain national team, so obviously knows his stuff; and Neil Cutler is a well-respected Premier League goalkeeper coach who has also worked for the England setup as recently as last season.
We aren’t standing still, we’re moving forward. The club is attempting to establish itself with lots of new staff and players and to do that they need time to get adjusted, so making these moves early in the window allows everyone to get their feet under the table and crack on.
I keep saying this, but it’s all very exciting. Even appointing new coaches... it’s great.
**Andrew Smithson says…**
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The appointments look great on paper - these new lads all have impressive CVs and are joining the club when things are going well, as opposed to landing in the middle of a crisis and having to pick up the pieces.
Just by looking at the names/backgrounds it is clear that the days of a manager flicking through their Rolodex and dishing out jobs to their old pals is long gone, and I really think Sunderland will stronger for it. I can appreciate that in some cases it makes sense to bring people in that are trusted or have an existing relationship with a Head Coach but in the main posts need to be filled sensibley, with qualified applicants who are made aware of the structure and expectations. That is what has happened here, and hopefully the fresh ideas and methods will ensure that Règis Le Bris can continue to get the best out of the squad.
It would be foolish to spend a load of money on new players and then cut corners and not give them the infrastructure needed to help them perform. By expanding the backroom staff and putting resources into the coaching group it shows that the current regime is all in yet crucially, is trying to spend smartly rather than just throw cash about indiscriminately.
The big hitters in the Premier League all have big teams behind the scenes, and they know that marginal gains can be crucial. I wish the new arrivals all the best and hope they enjoy being part of SAFC, and that their efforts help get us up amongst the other serious players.
**Jon Guy says…**
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Without a doubt, we will need every piece of tactical and coaching expertise we can get this season.
RLB and his team coached the squad well last year and drew praise from the squad for it.
This year, despite the promising transfer business already, we will need to analyse the opposition and aim to negate and frustrate them before using the ball effectively when in possession. We know the quality wevwill faces will be a huge uptick from last season.
The coaches will need to identify the right game plan and drill that plan into the squad on a weekly basis.
They’ll need to manage the squad, all while developing our young players.
Coaching will be the key, so it is a hugely positive move by the club.