Sunderland AFC is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of head coach Regis Le Bris on a new long-term contract. He is set to stay with the team through the summer of 2028. Le Bris’ inaugural season at the helm was a rousing success, as he guided Sunderland to promotion out of the Championship. That exciting adventure ended with a 2-1 win against Sheffield United in May’s play-off final.
Le Bris became Sunderland’s manager in June 2024. He inherited a contract for a position that still had two years left on it. His leadership is the spark to Sunderland’s turnaround. The club’s management consider his outputs to be central to their dreams of establishing themselves in the Premier League. The surprise was in the announcement that it was extending, made by Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who said he was “absolutely thrilled” by the extension.
Building a Premier League Identity
Florent Ghisolfi, Sunderland’s sporting director, underscored the significance of this contract extension in establishing Sunderland as a competitive Premier League club. He added that the decision reflects acknowledgment of Le Bris’s exceptional efforts. Furthermore, it underscores the club’s confidence in the direction they are collectively heading towards.
“Regis’ new contract is a mark of recognition for the outstanding work he’s undertaken since arriving at Sunderland, and more importantly, it reflects our trust in the future we’re building together,” – Florent Ghisolfi
Ghisolfi emphasized that the objective is not merely to be known as a Premier League club but to embody its identity through performance and ambition. He observed that Le Bris is an integral piece of this vision.
“Our objective is to establish Sunderland as a Premier League Club – not just in name, but in identity, performance, and ambition – and Regis is an important part of that vision,” – Florent Ghisolfi
A Remarkable First Season
In his debut season at Sunderland, Le Bris guided the club to a fourth-place finish in the Championship, a record high for the Wearsiders. This success set off an exciting play-off run. They beat Coventry City 1–0 in the semi-finals at the JJB Stadium, well on their way back to the Premier League.
It’s those same tactical smarts and connection with players that have been crucial to this turnaround. His tenure has already seen eight new signings, including notable additions like Granit Xhaka, which indicates a commitment to strengthening the squad further as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
“The connection I have with the staff, players, and supporters has been natural, and we shared many great moments together,” – Regis Le Bris
Looking Ahead to Premier League Challenges
Sunderland are preparing for their first Premier league battle since they were relegated in 2016/17. The club will open their campaign against West Ham on the Stadium of Light on August 16. Under Le Bris’ pioneering leadership, supporters very much hope to be off to a flying start and on the road to a thrilling debut season.
The extension of Le Bris’s contract is viewed as a critical step in ensuring stability and continuity as Sunderland aims to solidify its position within the top tier of English football. The club’s leadership believes that with Le Bris’s vision and dedication, they are poised to face both challenges and opportunities in the coming years.
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