Graeme Murty, a current Black Cats under-21 player and former Ibrox interim manager, has talked candidly about his new role working with the main team.
Graeme Murty, the former interim manager of Rangers, acknowledges his intention to enhance the connection between Sunderland’s first-team roster and their Under-21s team as he assumes a supportive role.
Having joined the Black Cats coaching staff after Mike Dodds took over the reins as caretaker manager of the senior squad last month, following Michael Beale’s tumultuous nine-week tenure, Murty aims to strengthen the coordination between the two squads.
Murty, who has continued to fulfill his responsibilities as the head coach of the under-21s, acknowledges his satisfaction in returning to work at the first-team level. This comes as the Sunderland board remains in the process of finding a permanent replacement for former Ibrox manager Beale, whose tenure lasted just 12 games, making it the shortest managerial stint in the club’s history.
Murty shared with the Sunderland Echo, stating, “It’s truly enjoyable because I have the opportunity to observe both the under-21s and the first team. This allows me to identify the connections and commonalities between them. I notice many similarities in areas where we need improvement. Enhancing our cohesion as a collective is crucial for progression up the ranks.”
Murty expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received from the first-team staff, ensuring he stays informed about ongoing developments and plans. He finds working with the first-team players immensely rewarding, describing them as dedicated and positive individuals who consistently put in hard work. Witnessing their commitment motivates him to contribute positively to their progress.
Moreover, Murty sees his involvement with the first team as an opportunity to glean valuable insights that he can later apply to the development of younger players. He notes with satisfaction that several youngsters have been making strides toward first-team involvement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and continuous improvement.
Regarding his role, Murty clarifies that his primary focus is to provide support and add value where needed, without imposing significant changes. He respects the existing strategies and goals of the first-team staff and aims to assist them in achieving their objectives effectively.