McLaughlin spent half a season at Fleetwood in League One, after leaving Sunderland in 2021. The defender then retired from football and works as an emerging talent scouting manager for the City Football Group.placeholder image
McLaughlin spent half a season at Fleetwood in League One, after leaving Sunderland in 2021. The defender then retired from football and works as an emerging talent scouting manager for the City Football Group.
The former Sunderland defender has taken up a full-time academy coaching role in MLS as changes continue at the Academy of Light
Former Sunderland defender Conor McLaughlin has secured a new role in Major League Soccer, stepping into a full-time coaching position with New York City FC’s under-18s.
McLaughlin, who previously played for Sunderland, Millwall and Preston North End, announced he has taken up a position as Assistant Coach with NYCFC’s academy setup. The move comes as Sunderland prepare for their own academy transition, with Academy Manager Robin Nicholls set to depart Wearside at the end of the 2025-26 season to become Academy Director at the same MLS club.
Born in Belfast, McLaughlin began his professional career with Preston North End, making his senior debut in 2010. He later enjoyed spells with Fleetwood Town and Millwall before joining Sunderland on a free transfer in July 2019. During his time at the Stadium of Light, McLaughlin was part of the squad competing in League One before departing in May 2021 following the expiry of his contract. He briefly returned to Fleetwood Town before announcing his retirement in April 2022 due to injury.
His latest appointment marks a significant step into full-time coaching within an elite academy structure. In a social media post, McLaughlin said he was “excited” to take on the assistant role and pass on his experience to young players developing within the New York City FC system. Writing on LinkedIn, the former Northern Ireland international said: “Excited to share that I’ve stepped into a full-time role as Assistant Coach with the U18s at New York City FC. Amazing to be back in this environment and pass on my experience to help our young players in their development.”
The development adds a further small link between Sunderland and NYCFC following confirmation that Robin Nicholls will leave his post as Academy Manager in May 2026. Nicholls, who joined Sunderland from Southampton in October 2022, oversaw a period of notable progress at the Academy of Light, including the strengthening of the club’s Category 1 EPPP status and senior breakthroughs for players such as Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson.
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Nicholls said after his departure was confirmed by Sunderland: “It has been a privilege to work with the exceptional staff, talented young players, and supportive families who make this academy so special. We have built strong foundations, developed outstanding footballers and people, and achieved milestones that all associated with SAFC can be proud of, including promotion last season when academy products played a significant role. I would like to thank the Club’s supporters for their belief in our academy and its purpose, and to the leadership group for enabling an environment that prioritises youth development. It’s clear that Sunderland AFC has a very bright future, and I will always be grateful to have played a small role in such a pivotal period of that journey.”
Then-Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman added: “Robin has made an incredible impact over the last three years, which unfortunately hasn’t gone unnoticed. Together with his leadership team, the academy has progressed significantly in all areas, and we take this moment to thank him for his accomplishments, expertise and commitment. We understand the opportunity this new role provides him and his family, and we wish him well for the future.”
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