Sunderland’s new head coach Régis Le Bris' said he is “honoured” to be joining the club after his appointment last week - but he now faces several contracts and transfer decisions alongside Kristjaan Speakman.
The 48-year-old former FC Lorient man was appointed as the Black Cats new boss in June 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."
Le Bris is now set to work alongside owner Kryril Louis-Dreyfus, sporting director Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey as Sunderland looks to iron out several transfer and contract decisions this summer.
Here, we take a look at 20 of the big calls facing Sunderland before the start of the 2024-45 Championship season starts in August:
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.
5. Niall Huggins
After getting back into Sunderland's starting XI, the 23-year-old full-back suffered another serious injury just before Christmas and is set to be sidelined for the rest of this year. The Welshman's contract expires in the summer of 2025, leaving Sunderland with a big decision to make on his future.Photo: Frank Reid
6. Hemir
The Portuguese striker signed a five-year contract at Sunderland last summer but struggled at Championship level during his first season on Wearside. A loan move would appear a logical step at this stage, while Sunderland will have to weigh up whether it’s best to send the 20-year-old abroad or keep him in the United Kingdom.Photo: Frank Reid
7. Matty Young
The highly-rated 17-year-old has worked wonders while out on loan at Darlington this season. He may well go out on loan again next season but as it stands, Young is set to return to Sunderland this summer and may be involved during pre-season again. If he impresses Regis Le Bris then who knows what his future next season could hold? Young is also likely to sign a new contract at Sunderland with Speakman and the goalkeeper's representatives set for talks.Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
8. Adam Richardson
The 20-year-old highly-rated goalkeeper is reaching a crucial stage in his development and needs to play senior football, which is unlikely to happen at Sunderland this season. Kristjaan Speakman now has the task of finding Richardson a good loan move after an injury-hit campaign hampered his progress last time out.Photo: Frank Reid