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.
![After returning from a thigh injury, which he suffered while on loan at Derby, Embleton sustained an ankle issue in training in February. The midfielder was closing in on a first-team return at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, yet Sunderland's focus has been to make sure the 25-year-old is ready for pre-season.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEyMjcwZTQzLWU3YTQtNGM4OS04MjA4LTQzOTM0ZDFiZGViMjphZjQxZDM5My1jZjA2LTQ2ZDctYmUxYy03M2U0NzBiYjk2OTU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
33. SUB: Elliot Embleton
After returning from a thigh injury, which he suffered while on loan at Derby, Embleton sustained an ankle issue in training in February. The midfielder was closing in on a first-team return at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, yet Sunderland's focus has been to make sure the 25-year-old is ready for pre-season.Photo: Frank Reid
![The 18-year-old striker joined Sunderland from French side Sochaux on a five-year deal last year. Mayenda then signed for SPL side Hibernian in January and is set to return to Wearside this summer.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmI0NDI2Yzk5LTRlOTItNGY4MS1iZDRhLWUxZmFjZjgwY2MwOTo3NjU2NWIzYS0wOTcwLTQ1ZDctYjQ0Ny02ZDdhMmIwYWM1ZGM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
34. SUB: Eliezer Mayenda
The 18-year-old striker joined Sunderland from French side Sochaux on a five-year deal last year. Mayenda then signed for SPL side Hibernian in January and is set to return to Wearside this summer.Photo: Frank Reid
![Chris Rigg signed a two-year scholarship deal with Sunderland last summer. The midfielder has now turned 17 and can now sign professional terms. Sunderland will hope the chance to play first-team football will convince him to stay.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjIxYTJhMjJiLWI4ZWYtNGI0My05OWM3LTFjYTQ4MmI1MjEwNDowZTk3Y2I5Yi1iMzY4LTQ2MDMtYTVlYS0xZTAyOTNiZDcyNTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
35. SUB: Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg signed a two-year scholarship deal with Sunderland last summer. The midfielder has now turned 17 and can now sign professional terms. Sunderland will hope the chance to play first-team football will convince him to stay.Photo: Frank Reid
![Bennette picked up an injury during his frustrating loan spell at Greek club Aris FC, where he made just two appearances. The 19-year-old will return to Sunderland for pre-season.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjNkMmZlYzEzLTM0NzAtNDk0OC04OThjLTM3NGQ5NjVjMDdiMzozMmJjMjNlNy0xYjZiLTQ0ZjQtYjk3NC05OTBjN2VhOTM3Nzc=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
36. SUB: Jewison Bennette
Bennette picked up an injury during his frustrating loan spell at Greek club Aris FC, where he made just two appearances. The 19-year-old will return to Sunderland for pre-season.Photo: Frank Reid