Regis Le Bris commits to Sunderland as new contract update emerges
Sunderland have enjoyed their most successful season in recent memory under a manager nobody expected anything of.
The Black Cats appointed Regis Le Bris last summer after he was given the boot by relegated Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient.
However, Le Bris led Sunderland to the Premier League via one of the most dramatic play-off campaigns in history, finishing with that 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
As happens with success, there have been murmurings of interest from Ligue 1, which a key club figure has addressed.
Kristjaan Speakman addresses Le Bris future
Sunderland are a Premier League club once more after an eight-year hiatus from England’s top table.
It has been a journey packed with extreme highs and lows, and of course, the most dramatic finale at Wembley Stadium.
In an amongst all the chaos, there has been a calm and composed figure guiding the Black Cats to where they belong in Le Bris.
| Games | Won | Drew | Lost | Points per match |
| 51 | 23 | 14 | 14 | 1.63 |
The 49-year-old has thrived in his first role in England despite suffering relegation the season before with Lorient.
Of course, his success has turned heads, and reports in France suggest that clubs in Ligue 1 are interested in Le Bris.
However, Director of Football Kristjaan Speakman has addressed the Frenchman’s contract situation while speaking to the Northern Echo (11 June).
He said: “In terms of his contract, we’re in a really good spot with that, so there’s not really an issue there that I need to comment on.
“First and foremost, Regis has committed to the Sunderland project.
“From the way that he’s gone about his work, all the conversations we’ve had with him, planning and strategising ahead of next season, I think he’s thoroughly enjoyed his time and his work here.”
Speakman must gift Le Bris with more talent
Sunderland may appear weaker after securing promotion, with Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson departing the club.
However, the Black Cats have already made significant strides by signing Enzo Le Lee permanently from AS Roma.
Now that the hierarchy are equipped with more funds, they must back their manager in the transfer market, regardless of PSR constraints.
Speakman is the man in charge of recruitment, but he will work closely with Le Bris to identify relevant targets, and he must be backed to avoid his head turning elsewhere.
Sunderland possess a side bursting with potential, but they must acquire high-quality players to challenge in the Premier League.
Jordan Henderson has been linked with a sensational return, while several Ligue 1 players have been suggested.
Whoever comes through the door must be an upgrade on what the Black Cats currently possess.