Sunderland U21s boss Graeme Murty says he's enjoying being part of the first-team coaching set-up in a new role, after being asked to assist Mike Dodds and his coaching staff between now and the end of the season.

The Black Cats Head of Professional Development Phase, has spent the majority of his short time on Wearside preparing Sunderland's youngsters for the the first team, or the next step in their career.

Since his arrival at the club in October 2022, there's been a stark improvement in results at Under-21 level, and was asked to step up and assist with first-team duties following Michael Beale's departure.

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Murty said: "It's really enjoyable because I get to see the 21s, I get to see the first-team. I see what the link is, the similarities and where we need to get better and smoother as a group to move up the line.

"The first-team staff have been incredibly welcoming, making sure that I know everything that's going on, that I'm fully into the plans. It's been really enjoyable working with the first-team players.

"The first-team players are really good to work with. They're really positive, work hard every day and for me to see them working like that, and for me to hopefully help them a little bit, it's been really positive for me and I can take some of the lessons that I'm learning there and apply it down the line with the younger ones.

"What has been really positive, is the young ones have been getting on the first-team platform regularly and you see some of them on the bench. What they've done previous to today, has been recognised. I've said to the players, having it recognised and doing it for a certain period of time, isn't enough. 

"We need to be really consistent in our standards and make sure that we are pushing to get better every single day."

It's not the first time in his career Murty has been part of the first-team set-up having taken charge of Rangers in 2017-18. The Black Cats coach spends matchday high up in the gods of the Stadium of Light or away grounds, for an eagle eye view of the game, and transmits tactical advice throughout the 90 minutes to the bench below

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"That's not my role," Murty said when asked if he'd been tasked with looking at the first-team squad through a fresh set of eyes. "My role is to go and support. All I'm trying to do is make sure I add value where I'm asked.

"My role is really clear. It's not for me to go in and advocate for change. My job is to go and support the guys that are in there.

"The guys that are in there have ideas about how we're going to play and move forward. I'm just there to add value."