Sunderland No2 Eric Black says they'll continue to use the loan system to help their young players gain experience.
A number of players spent much of the 2010-11 season out on loan, including midfielder Liam Noble who tasted Wembley success in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with Carlisle.
And more budding stars could follow in the footsteps of Noble and his young colleagues by heading out around the Football League next season.
"You can't often take young players to the next level unless they've experienced real football," Black told safc.com.
"If they play a year or so in the reserves then it's usually time to experience something else.
"The experience will be beneficial for them."
