It’s been a whirlwind couple of days for the Sunderland AFC Academy, with a major player departure and key staff leaving the ranks balanced by an important internal promotion designed to shape the next chapter of player development on Wearside.
The club has officially confirmed the appointment of John Hewitson as the club’s new Head of Academy.
Hewitson, who has secured an internal promotion, steps up to succeed Robin Nicholls, who departed at the end of the 2025-26 season to take a role with New York
City FC.
Hewitson has been a vital part of the Academy of Light infrastructure since 2019, arriving on Wearside after almost a decade down the A19 as Academy Manager at Hartlepool. At Sunderland, he most recently served as an Individual Coach and Player Developer. Over his years with the club, he has developed an intimate understanding of Sunderland’s core football philosophy and forged a strong connection with the local community.
Hewitson has worked in a variety of key roles since his arrival at the club, including Youth Coach, Under-18 Manager and Under-21 Assistant Manager alongside Graeme Murty, before taking on his most recent position.
Rather than launching an exhaustive external search that risked shifting the club’s core identity, Ghisolfi identified Hewitson as the precise cultural anchor the academy needed.
For Ghisolfi, this wasn’t just a safe choice – it was a strategic move.
“The Academy is a fundamental part of Sunderland AFC’s identity and our future.
Following Robin’s departure, it was important for us to consider the outstanding talent we already have within the Club, and John stood out as the right person to lead the next chapter.
Promoting from within is about more than continuity, it is an expression of our identity. It is about recognising people who understand our culture, our community and what this football club represents. We are building an elite development environment, and having leaders who share our values is essential to that process.”
Interim CEO Tom Barwell also suggested that, alongside Hewitson’s appointment, there is a strategic plan to further develop the academy setup.
“Our commitment to the Academy remains stronger than ever.
We are determined to provide the best young talent across the region with an environment that allows them to maximise their potential, both on and off the pitch.
That commitment goes beyond coaching and player development. This summer’s investment in our training ground forms part of a wider multi-year investment programme designed to enhance our infrastructure and create the very best conditions for our players and staff.
The Academy is a vital part of Sunderland AFC’s future, and John’s appointment reflects our belief in the strength of the work already taking place across the football club. We look forward to supporting him as he leads the next phase of its development.”
Hewitson takes over at an exciting but demanding time for the club as they prepare to balance domestic duties with a Europa League campaign. His immediate mandate is clear: sustain the elite player pathway that has successfully transitioned top talents like Chris Rigg into the first team, while continuing to maximise the potential of the region’s best young players.
Upon his appointment, Hewitson shared his perspective on the future:
“We have a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future. Our aim is to continue creating an environment that challenges and supports young players to maximise their potential, while ensuring the values and identity of Sunderland AFC remain at the heart of everything we do.”
By placing the academy’s future in the hands of a trusted, culture-focused leader who understands the club’s DNA, Sunderland aims to ensure its famous Wearside production line remains in incredibly safe hands.
