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.
![Ekwah has produced some excellent performances in a Black Cats shirt but his form can dip at times. Despite reported interest from Premier League clubs, the 22-year-old has said Sunderland is the perfect place for his development.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmI5MzEyOTFlLTg3NGQtNGViMS05NTkyLTA1OWMxMzY2YmFiMzo0ZDM3NTBlMC0xY2RiLTRjZjktYjdiNC1lNDUwZDE5ZDhlZjk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
21. SUB: Pierre Ekwah
Ekwah has produced some excellent performances in a Black Cats shirt but his form can dip at times. Despite reported interest from Premier League clubs, the 22-year-old has said Sunderland is the perfect place for his development.Photo: Frank Reid
![The Athletic reported in January that Sunderland were showing strong interest in Aston Villa midfielder Bogarde. The 20-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at League Two club Bristol Rovers.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjA2NzcyZGJhLWE3OGMtNDVmOC1iODEzLTU0MTJlMTM0YWI1NTpkNGE0ODEzMy1lODI0LTQ0NmMtOWVjYy1lMDY5MTcyMDFmZWY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
22. SUB: Lamare Bogarde
The Athletic reported in January that Sunderland were showing strong interest in Aston Villa midfielder Bogarde. The 20-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at League Two club Bristol Rovers.Photo: Pete Norton
![The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal at Sunderland when he joined the club from French side Le Havre in 2022. Ba made 36 Championship appearances last season.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmZmNmViZGQxLWJhZjItNDRjYS04YmVkLTAyYWYzMGIzYjkzNDozOGZiZmZiYS00MDEwLTRmOTItYTk1Ni1kMzM3ZGMyOWI2YmE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
23. SUB: Abdoullah Ba
The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal at Sunderland when he joined the club from French side Le Havre in 2022. Ba made 36 Championship appearances last season.Photo: Nigel Roddis
![Still only 18, Bellingham signed a long-term contract with the Black Cats last summer and has started constantly in the Championship this season. While there has been reported interest from Premier League clubs, it seems like Sunderland would be the best place for his development.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZhMjBmNzUyLWU4NGQtNGJjYy1iYThlLTg3MGFjNDZjMDNlNjo1MDUzNzcxNS1iODljLTQ3YzItYjRmNy02NDFiZTljMjQ2NWY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
24. SUB: Jobe Bellingham
Still only 18, Bellingham signed a long-term contract with the Black Cats last summer and has started constantly in the Championship this season. While there has been reported interest from Premier League clubs, it seems like Sunderland would be the best place for his development.Photo: Frank Reid