Former Sunderland first-team coach Anthony Hayes has secured a move to the Premier League, taking up a role with Crystal Palace’s under-21 setup.
Hayes’ appointment marks a significant step in his coaching career following his departure from the Stadium of Light last summer.
Hayes was brought to Sunderland last season during the interim reign of Mike Dodds, following the abrupt departure of Michael Beale. His time on Wearside, though brief, saw him contribute to the club’s development before he moved on to take up an assistant managerial position at Gillingham.
From Sunderland to the Premier League
After leaving Sunderland, Hayes joined League Two side Gillingham as assistant to Mark Bonner. However, his tenure there was cut short when Bonner was dismissed in January. Now, Hayes has landed a new challenge, joining Crystal Palace as their under-21 assistant coach.
Prior to his stint at Sunderland, Hayes had a long history in coaching, including five years with Brentford’s academy before moving to Charlton Athletic, where he held various roles for seven years, including a brief spell as caretaker manager in 2022.
Sunderland Connections Continue Elsewhere
Hayes’ move to Palace is not the only Sunderland-related development in recent weeks. The man who brought him to the Black Cats, Mike Dodds, has also moved on, now taking charge of Wycombe Wanderers as they push for promotion in League One.
Crystal Palace Under 21s
Hayes’ new employer, Crystal Palace’s Under-21, is a setup that is an integral part of the club’s development pathway, nurturing young talent for future first-team success. Competing in the Premier League 2, the academy has produced top talents such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrick Mitchell.
The club’s Category One Academy status ensures state-of-the-art facilities and elite coaching, fostering technical and tactical growth. Palace prioritises a fast, attacking style of play, mirroring the senior squad’s philosophy. With a strong focus on youth progression, the Eagles aim to bridge the gap between academy football and the first team, offering promising youngsters a clear route into professional football.
Writer’s View
Anthony Hayes’ rapid career progression highlights the strength of Sunderland’s coaching staff in recent years. Though his time at the club was short, his move to Crystal Palace’s academy setup shows that top-tier teams value his expertise. Sunderland have long been a breeding ground for talent, and Hayes’ move to the Premier League is further proof of the club’s ability to develop high-quality coaching personnel as well as players.
