Sunderland’s new head coach Régis Le Bris' says he is “honoured” to be joining the North East club.
The 48-year-old former FC Lorient man was appointed as the Black Cats new boss on Sunday after signing a three-year deal at the Academy of Light.
The Frenchman delivered a message to fans after taking control from interim head coach Mike Dodds, who was appointed after the sacking of Michael Beale last February.
“I am honoured to be joining Sunderland AFC and look forward to immersing myself in the culture of the Club and the city,” Le Bris said. “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."
For fun and following recent speculation, we’ve put together a possible Sunderland starting XI and bench if the rumours turn out to be true – including several potential new signings!
The Frenchman delivered a message to fans after taking control from interim head coach Mike Dodds, who was appointed after the sacking of Michael Beale last February.
![The former Tottenham left-back is a hugely important player for Sunderland when fit. Unfortunately, Cirkin spent much of last season injured.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/06/14/46/Dennis%20Cirkin%20playing%20for%20Sunderland.%20Photo%3A%20Frank%20Reid.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
17. SUB: Dennis Cirkin
The former Tottenham left-back is a hugely important player for Sunderland when fit. Unfortunately, Cirkin spent much of last season injured. | Frank Reid
![Sunderland have been linked with Cresswell during previous transfer windows, while the defender only made five Championship appearances for Leeds last season.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/11/9/42/01HYTFKA96961ZWK9JTBKX2P58.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
18. SUB: Charlie Cresswell
Sunderland have been linked with Cresswell during previous transfer windows, while the defender only made five Championship appearances for Leeds last season. | John Walton/PA Wire
![Sunderland were considering a move for the South Korea international in January, before he signed for Birmingham from K League 1 side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The central midfielder, who has two years left on his contract, made 18 Championship appearances for The Blues, whose relegation to League One may mean player departures this summer.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmRhNjJmZjI4LTk0OGEtNDAzZS1hNGRkLTAyMmQ3NDAyMjlkODoxMTRjYjVmZS1hMzE0LTRhZTctOGM1MC03NDA3M2JkMTY0MTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
19. SUB: Paik Seung-Ho
Sunderland were considering a move for the South Korea international in January, before he signed for Birmingham from K League 1 side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The central midfielder, who has two years left on his contract, made 18 Championship appearances for The Blues, whose relegation to League One may mean player departures this summer.Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
![Sunderland are reportedly in Dajune Brown, who currently is on loan at Gateshead from Derby County. It is thought the forward would be more of a developmental signing.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjUwMTRiYzI3LTEwYjItNDE2MC1hNDJmLWEyMTIxZjA2MTNiODozNTNlYzE2Zi02OTFhLTRjMmQtOTEzZS1hMzRjYzRjM2QyNmU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
20. SUB: Dajune Brown
Sunderland are reportedly in Dajune Brown, who currently is on loan at Gateshead from Derby County. It is thought the forward would be more of a developmental signing.Photo: Pete Norton