GED McNAMEE is to step down from his role as Sunderland’s long-serving academy manager, the club has confirmed.

McNamee has spent almost 20 years at the Wearside club but the 56-year-old is to move on after helping numerous players come through the academy system under his watch.

Jordan Henderson, sold for £20m five years ago, is the most high profile and he has gone on to captain England. Grant Leadbitter, the Middlesbrough midfielder, and Jordan Pickford, Sunderland’s current No 1, have been among those to make the grade.

McNamee said: “I have enjoyed 20 very memorable years at Sunderland and have had some incredible times, including seeing one of our own captain England recently (Henderson).

“We are starting to see the fruits of many years of hard work from the academy staff, with a number of our home grown players, including Jordan Pickford, making first team debuts in recent months.

“The academy is in a good place and it feels like the right time for me to hand over the reins.

“I wish everyone at the academy and the club the very best and thank them for their fantastic support over the years, they are a great team of people.”

McNamee’s decision to move on is seen as the latest sign that chief executive Martin Bain is continuing his overhaul of the club.

Bain said: “We would like to thank Ged for his immense commitment and dedication to the club during his time with us. He has been a great servant to Sunderland and he leaves us with our sincere good wishes for the future.”