Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell has insisted that the North East club remain committed to their academy system despite the exits of Paul Reid and a number of young players, which has left many Black Cats fans frustrated.
Reid, who has been Sunderland's academy director for the past two years, left his role earlier this week after a turbulent time in charge.
Both the U18s and U23s side have endured difficult spells this term and the academy head was not a hugely popular figure among fans of the North East club.
However, Reid is not the only man to leave the Black Cats' academy this month, however, as they have released 18 young players at the end of their contracts.
It appears that Bali Mumba may also be set to make his Stadium of Light departure as reports have suggested Sunderland are close to selling him to Norwich City.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Rodwell has insisted that despite the recent developments, the club remain committed to their academy.
He said: "We are absolutely committed to the academy and our Category One status. Having a category one academy in League One is difficult but that is what we are committed to.
"Next season we will be a Category One academy, simple as that, and we are committed beyond that as well.
"We know we need to improve, we are absolutely aware of that.
"We need to address some of the things that went wrong last season.
"It is difficult because once we get to the 16 age group, that's when the [Manchester] Citys and Uniteds start investing serious money.
"It is difficult to compete but there are things we can do differently."
He added that part of the brief for Reid's replacement will be to "do more to try and keep hold of these guys, the Joe Hugills and the Logan Pyes".
He added: "There are things that I think we can do, but it is difficult to get your best young players to commit long-term to a football club at this level rather than look to clubs in the leagues above."
Can you name these 12 Sunderland players just by looking at their Wikipedia bios? Have a go now!
Rodwell's comments do not have appear to have been well received by the Stadium of Light faithful, with many supporters taking to Twitter to vent their frustration.
Read their reaction here: