Sunderland look set to appoint Regis Le Bris as their new manager.
Following a four-month search, Sunderland appears set to choose current Lorient boss Regis Le Bris as their new manager.
Le Bris, 48, was reportedly set to sign a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light on Friday, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Mike Dodds will oversee Sunderland’s schedule until the end of the season, replacing Michael Beale, who was fired in February after just 12 games in charge. Le Bris will take over for Beale.
Ultimately, the Black Cats placed 16th in the Championship table, barely six points above the relegation zone.
Le Bris, who spent eight years coaching the junior team at Stade Rennais before moving to Lorient in 2022, was demoted from Ligue 1 following his team’s 17th-place performance in the top division of France.
Le Bris will only be managing Sunderland for the second time. During his debut season in command, 2022–23, his Lorient side placed 10th in the standings.
Sunderland transfer plans under new manager Regis Le Bris
Goalkeeper Simon Moore became the club’s first acquisition this month when sporting director Kristjaan Speakman opened the summer transfer market.
This summer, Speakman needs to do much more. The team’s failure in the previous season was a clear indication of its lack of depth, as Beale and Dodds both said that the starting lineup required experience—more especially, championship experience.
With Le Bris joining Sunderland, it’s believed that there will be a “wider restructure” of the coaching staff. Michael Graham also stated that the team will now look to sign “more experienced players” during the summer transfer window.
One more thing is needed at Sunderland after Regis Le Bris appointment
Sunderland does not currently have a manager. Le Bris is still officially in command of Lorient, therefore Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the owner of Sundland, along with Speakman, must convince Le Bris to step down.
Next are matters pertaining to transfers. Sunderland has to add more experience, and the club’s recognition of this is a positive first step.
However, Le Bris must be given time once he takes over and has a more seasoned and well-rounded first team roster.
Given the two-year contract, it appears that Sunderland is willing to give him at least a season. However, one season might not be sufficient for him to get to know the team well, particularly if several of Sunderland’s star players depart this summer.
Given his lack of managerial expertise and his total lack of English football management experience, Le Bris appears to be a hazardous hire.
However, Sunderland supporters could be content for anyone to assume the helm at this stage and for the team to just move forward with its transfer business.
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