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.
![This one could be the summer saga of the transfer window with Jack Clarke attracting interest from Premier League clubs. Regis Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman may face an uphill battle to keep the winger on Wearside. Clarke, however, does have two-years left on his present deal meaning there is a chance he could stay if Sunderland's valuation is not met.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/19/12/55/GettyImages-1708651493.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Jack Clarke
This one could be the summer saga of the transfer window with Jack Clarke attracting interest from Premier League clubs. Regis Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman may face an uphill battle to keep the winger on Wearside. Clarke, however, does have two-years left on his present deal meaning there is a chance he could stay if Sunderland's valuation is not met. | Getty Images
![The 19-year-old’s contract with Sunderland was due to expire this summer. However, Sunderland had the option to trigger a year’s extension, which was announced during the club’s recent retained list. Decision-makers at the Academy of Light now have plans to move to secure the future of the promising midfielder with fresh terms. Jones rejected the club’s initial attempts last year. Discussions with Jones are pencilled in during the summer break, with a deal expected to be agreed upon.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjMwMjhjMWE4LWRkMjQtNGZlOC1hOWU0LTA4MmIyZTdmZjRiZTozNjU0YTliNS05OWI4LTRmNDAtOGI0Yy1kMDA5OGM0YTkyNzE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Harrison Jones
The 19-year-old’s contract with Sunderland was due to expire this summer. However, Sunderland had the option to trigger a year’s extension, which was announced during the club’s recent retained list. Decision-makers at the Academy of Light now have plans to move to secure the future of the promising midfielder with fresh terms. Jones rejected the club’s initial attempts last year. Discussions with Jones are pencilled in during the summer break, with a deal expected to be agreed upon.Photo: Chris Fryatt
![Sunderland are in talks with FC Lorient duo Jean-Marie David and Erwann Le Postec with their colleague Ingo Goetze also thought to be likely to follow Le Bris to Sunderland this summer.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/23/7/11/GettyImages-1546702309.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
11. Regis Le Bris' backroom staff
Sunderland are in talks with FC Lorient duo Jean-Marie David and Erwann Le Postec with their colleague Ingo Goetze also thought to be likely to follow Le Bris to Sunderland this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
![Even when Sunderland were short of defensive options during the 2022-23 season, Joe Anderson wasn't handed a first-team start. Anderson wasn't always a regular starter during a loan spell at League One side Shrewsbury last season and is unlikely to receive many opportunities when he returns to Wearside. His exit will be decided upon by Sunderland's decision-makers this summer.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjJkNDYyNTk3LWQ3MGEtNDZiNi04ZDNiLTkwYmJkY2IyM2Q3ZDphN2I3YzIzNy03ZjAxLTQyOTctOTcxNS01NDc2MTcyMDgxNTE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
12. Joe Anderson
Even when Sunderland were short of defensive options during the 2022-23 season, Joe Anderson wasn't handed a first-team start. Anderson wasn't always a regular starter during a loan spell at League One side Shrewsbury last season and is unlikely to receive many opportunities when he returns to Wearside. His exit will be decided upon by Sunderland's decision-makers this summer.Photo: Jeremy Ng