Where Le Bris ranks among longest-serving managers after new Sunderland deal

Regis Le Bris signed a new deal with Sunderland as a reward for his hard work.

Sunderland will make their return to the Premier League in just 11 days, and it would not have been possible without Le Bris.

The Frenchman guided the Black Cats to promotion at the first time of asking, and as a result, was rewarded with a new three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

However, how does Le Bris compare to the longest-serving managers in Sunderland’s history?

Regis Le Bris happy at Sunderland
Credit: Imago

Sunderland have very rarely backed their manager

Trigger warning: The next few paragraphs will include names that could spark an emotional reaction, and not for the right reasons.

As of today, Le Bris has spent 13 months with the Black Cats, which immediately makes him the 14th-longest serving manager on Wearside, alongside Lee Johnson and Phil Parkinson.

Martin O’Neill spent 15 months at the Stadium of Light, with Tony Mowbray in 12th.

Sunderland managerTime spent
Bob Kyle22+ years
Bill Murray18+ years
Peter Reid7 years, 7 months
Kevin Ball (perm)8 years
Ged McNamee7 years
Sunderland’s five longest-serving managers.

If Le Bris sees the entire season out at Sunderland, it will make him the 10th-longest serving manager in their history, displacing Jack Ross.

Legendary Bob Kyle leads the way with over 22 years spent on Wearside, with Bill Murray and Peter Reid not too far behind him.

Sunderland badge at the Stadium of Light
Credit: Imago

Will Le Bris last the full season?

With his new contract, the Frenchman certainly has a vote of confidence from the board, and things would have to go drastically bad for that to change.

The 49-year-old is new to the Premier League and will learn along the way, just like the playing squad, in what promises to be an exciting season.

As for Le Bris, he will certainly have the backing of the Wearside faithful for what he has achieved so far.

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