Sunderland’s head coach search has finally come to an end after more than 100 days since sacking Michael Beale. Regis Le Bris has joined from FC Lorient and has been confirmed as the Black Cats’ new head coach. Le Bris has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year. The news was announced via Sunderland’s official website safc.com.
Sunderland’s Head Coach Search Finally Comes to an End
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus Statement Prior to Appointment of New Head Coach
On Friday, June 7th, owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus issued a statement via the club website stating that their search for a new head coach was coming to an end. He said: “We hope to appoint the next Head Coach of our great Club imminently, as we enter the final stages of the recruitment process.
Two weeks and several head coaches being ruled out later, Sunderland announced their new head coach. Not as imminent as was suggested but a head coach they now have.
FC Lorient Statement
Following Le Bris’ departure and prior to the announcement that he had become Sunderland’s one head coach, Lorient released a statement on their official website: “FC Lorient would like to thank Régis Le Bris for his investment, his work, his determination and his professionalism over all these years, whether with the professional team or the training centre and wish him the best for the future.”
Lorient president Loïc Féry added: “I would like to thank Régis for his many years at FC Lorient and regret that the results of recent months have not better reflected his daily investment and professionalism since his arrival at the club. He is a hard worker, and I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Regis Le Bris on Becoming Sunderland’s Head Coach
New Black Cats head coach Regis Le Bris has spoken about being appointed as the new head coach of Sunderland. He said: “I am honoured to be joining Sunderland AFC and look forward to immersing myself in the culture of the Club and the city. I believe the best way to understand and appreciate what makes a Club unique is to connect with the people who embody its spirit – the supporters, the community and all those who contribute to its character. All coaches talk about their enthusiasm and vision when they start a new role. I’m certainly here to pass on my energy and my convictions, but also to listen and learn. The history of this Club is very strong, and this is a unique opportunity to be part of that legacy. I recognise the potential of our team, a group that has seen both successes and more difficult times. Our journey together has only just begun, and I am ambitious about what we can achieve. I want us to bring joy to our fans, not only through results, but also through our style of play, and I’m convinced that with commitment and hard work, we can write an exciting new chapter.”
Sunderland’s Sporting Director on Head Coach Appointment
Kristjaan Speakman has spoken about finally appointing a new head coach 124 days after the sacking of Michael Beale. He said: “We are delighted to have attracted someone of Régis’ calibre to Sunderland. He is a talented coach, who is thoughtful and detailed in his approach and values strong relationships with players and staff. He is aligned with delivering our playing identity and he shares our ambition to win, as well as our passion for talent development. We are excited by the new ideas Régis will bring to Sunderland and look forward to supporting him in his new role.”
Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus concluded: “I must start by thanking our fans for their patience and support throughout an extensive recruitment process. It was imperative for us to try and appoint a candidate who could build on the foundations we have established and play an integral part in fulfilling our long-term ambitions. After following Régis’ career in recent years and meeting with him extensively, we believe he can make that contribution and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC. I’m looking forward to the 2024-25 season and excited for us all to be back together at the Stadium of Light in August.”
Who is Regis Le Bris?
48-year-old former midfielder Regis Le Bris is still relatively new to coaching. Before joining Sunderland, the Frenchman has managed just one club, FC Lorient. He took over Le Merlus in 2022 and took charge of 76 games. His inexperience and his stats may concern some fans. Le Bris has won just 23 of his games as a manager and last season, Lorient were relegated to Ligue 2. He did, however, guide the team to 10th in Ligue 1 in his first season.
Following the 10th-place finish with Lorient, a club with a modest budget compared to others in the same division, Le Bris was linked with a move to Leeds United before they appointed Daniel Farke.
Regis Le Bris appears to fit into Sunderland’s model of working with and developing young talent and playing attacking football. Will this be enough to make the Black Cats a promotion or playoff candidate? Time will tell.
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