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.
25. SUB: Romaine Mundle
Sunderland signed Mundle for a seven-figure fee from Belgian side Standard Liege in January. The 20-year-old winger signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light and made 10 Championship appearances since the move.Photo: Frank Reid
26. SUB: Patrick Roberts
Sunderland turned down a late bid from Southampton for the winger during last summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old then signed a new deal with the Black Cats in November, which will run until the summer of 2026, with a club option of an extra yearPhoto: Ed Sykes
27. SUB: Divin Mubama
The 19-year-old striker has been strongly linked with Sunderland in recent months, while West Brom have also been credited with interest. Mubama, who has made 18 senior appearances for the Hammers, reportedly turned down a new contract at West Ham earlier this year, while the player looked increasingly likely to leave the club. Yet the Premier League side have confirmed they ‘remain in talks’ with Mubama and defender Ben Johnson over potential new deals, with their contracts set to expire this month. It’s also been confirmed defender Angelo Ogbonna and goalkeeper Joseph Anang will leave West Ham this summer. | Getty Images
28. SUB: Nazariy Rusyn
Rusyn missed Sunderland's last nine matches of the season with a calf issue. The forward did return to part-training last month but didn't feature for the first team as he was managed back carefully. Rusyn, 25, should now be able to benefit from a full pre-season after joining Sunderland from Ukrainian club Zorya Lugansk on deadline day last summer.Photo: Frank Reid