‘Truly humbling’ – Kristjaan Speakman shares heartfelt statement as shock Sunderland exit announced
Kristjaan Speakman has spoken with pride about his time at Sunderland after it was announced he would be leaving with immediate effect.
Sunderland are genuine competitors for a European place next season, but it wasn’t too long ago that they were your bog-standard League One side struggling to progress.
That was until Speakman was hired back in December 2020, when the Black Cats installed a clear plan and project to get themselves back to where they belong, and it worked a treat.
Recruitment was almost perfect since his arrival, but the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi in the summer changed his role, and has ultimately led to his exit from Wearside.
But in a statement shared via his personal X account, the former Sporting Director has sent a message to supporters.
Kristjaan Speakman’s first words after Sunderland exit
Sunderland fans will forever be grateful for the work Speakman has done at the Stadium of Light to get them back to the big time.
He was influential in the deal to sign Jobe Bellingham from Birmingham, who went on to join Dortmund for a significant amount of profit.
Though there were several other deals that followed suit in that regard, which has the Black Cats in a healthy financial position.
His statement to supporters reads: “The opportunity to be Sporting Director and lead this historic club over the last five plus years has been the honour of a lifetime. I owe a debt of gratitude to my wife and children for allowing me to live this experience, and on so many occasions, place the club before home.
“I was once told ‘to work where it matters’, and I’ve learnt over these six seasons how much this club matters to the people of Sunderland. Reestablishing a team built on the region’s identity, creating a deep connection with its people, is an aspect of our work I’ll be most proud of.
“The same community welcomed our family, and for that we’ll be forever grateful to the many friends, neighbours, teachers, coaches and staff that made Sunderland our home.
“It’s been a truly humbling experience to work alongside so many talented people. To all the players and staff, past and present, thank you for believing in our shared vision.
“The greatest asset this club has is its fans, and it’s been a pleasure sharing some incredible memories with you all.”
What does this mean for Sunderland?
Ultimately, not a lot. Ghisolfi was the spearhead of the recruitment plans in the summer transfer window, and that will remain the same going forward.
However, it is yet another showcase of the brutal reality of life back in the Premier League when one of the key figures behind the success of getting there is no longer needed.
The same happened with the likes of Patrick Roberts, Alan Browne and perhaps most notably Dan Neil, who left to join Ipswich on loan despite having been the captain last season.
It’s unlikely that Speakman is directly replaced at the Stadium of Light, at least anytime soon, with Ghisolfi the one who will lead the rest of the project.
There may be some slight restructures behind the scenes, with Sunderland looking to progress even further for the next campaign.