Sunderland

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Sunderland have appointed Regis Le Bris as the club's new head coach.

In a statement on their website, the Black Cats say, "Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Régis Le Bris as Head Coach.

"The Frenchman will arrive on Wearside on 1 July 2024 and sign a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

"Régis’ move to the North East brings an end to his 12-year association with French side FC Lorient, which included leading Les Merlus’ senior team from June 2022 to June 2024.

"Following his appointment, Régis said: “I am honoured to be joining Sunderland AFC and look forward to immersing myself in the culture of the Club and the city.

"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.”

"Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman added: “We are delighted to have attracted someone of Régis’ calibre to Sunderland.

"He is a talented coach, who is thoughtful and detailed in his approach and values strong relationships with players and staff.

"He is aligned with delivering our playing identity and he shares our ambition to win, as well as our passion for talent development.

"We are excited by the new ideas Régis will bring to Sunderland and look forward to supporting him in his new role.”

"Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus concluded: “I must start by thanking our fans for their patience and support throughout an extensive recruitment process.

"It was imperative for us to try and appoint a candidate who could build on the foundations we have established and play an integral part in fulfilling our long-term ambitions.

"After following Régis’ career in recent years and meeting with him extensively, we believe he can make that contribution and we are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC.

"I’m looking forward to the 2024-25 season and excited for us all to be back together at the Stadium of Light in August.”

What do you think of the appointment? Have your say here.

French football expert Andy Scott has told BBC Radio Newcastle what to expect from the man Sunderland are set to appoint as their new head coach.

The Ligue 1 commentator has described Regis Le Bris as a good coach with a speciality of developing young players, but a poor record of transfers.

You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds.

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The BBC understands that Sunderland are looking to appoint Lorient manager Regis Le Bris as their new head coach.

The 48-year-old was part of a five-man shortlist drawn up by The Black Cats' hierarchy after Michael Beale was sacked over 100 days ago.

He's been in charge of the French side since 2022 - who were relegated last season.

Talks will continue this weekend with Le Bris and the club hope to conclude the deal in the next three or four days. A work permit is also needed.

What do you think of Regis Le Bris? Have your say here.

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The BBC understands Frank Lampard is not under consideration by Sunderland for the vacant head coach position.

There have been that rumours the Chelsea legend was to be appointed by the Black Cats to replace Michael Beale.

Sunderland have been without a permanent boss for more than 100 days and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus released a statement last Friday saying an announcement was imminent.

How do you feel about Lampard not being considered by Sunderland? Have your say here.

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Pascal Jansen has a new job after he was linked with the head coach vacancy at Sunderland.

The Dutchman has been appointed at Hungarian champions Ferencváros. They could play in the Champions League next season, starting in the second qualifying round.

Jansen had been in talks with Sunderland before the club decided to focus on other candidates but are still search for the person to replace Michael Beale who left more than 100 days ago.

How do you feel about Jansen joining another club? Have your say here.

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It being widely reported that Liam Rosenior is unlikely to become Sunderland's next head coach.

The former Hull City boss is apparently keen to assess his options following interest from Burnley despite recent talks with the Black Cats.

Rosenior's move to Wearside isn't completely ruled out but could depend on Burnley's own head coach search - a familiar feeling for Sunderland fans in the past 114 days of not having a permanent boss.

Sunderland lost out on Will Still to Lens and a number of other rumoured candidates have ended up at other clubs too.

Last week, Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus released a statement saying an appointment was 'imminent.'

How would you feel about losing out on Rosenior? Have your say here.

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Sunderland are to be given the "Rolls-Royce treatment" from hummel following their new partnership agreement.

The Black Cats have reunited with the iconic retail partner synonymous with the club in the 80s.

hummel's UK CEO David Burke told i, "It’s a big, big deal for us because Sunderland are a big club. They will get the Rolls Royce treatment and so they should"

“Everything that we produce will be totally, totally bespoke. No one in the EFL or Premier League will look like Sunderland.”

"In terms of support and the opportunity to grow with them, Sunderland is second to none in the EFL,”

“When we speak about hummel’s global portfolio, Sunderland is in tier one for us. It’s right up there with the [Danish national team] in terms of the offering. That’s where it deserves to be."

“We will throw everything at it to engage with the fans. Hopefully they will support us, support the club in terms of buying the product and feeling proud of whatever they’re wearing because it’s Sunderland, it’s unique to them and no-one would wear the same stuff.”

Burke also revealed how the fans are at the heart of what they do, something they learned from Sunderland's Chief Business Officer, "We believe we can do it with what we offer and the fanatical fans, we believe we can smash home, away, third and even goalkeeper kits.

"Even goalkeeper is completely bespoke so it’s going to be six new kits every year.

"We’ve got a five-year contract and hopefully in that time the club will be in the Premier League, which would be amazing. It’d only get better. But it has to be right for the fans.

David Bruce always talks about that. In every conversation it’s ‘What is best for the fans’. He always talks about that. Too many years it hasn’t quite worked for whatever reason and we have to put a stop to that."

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Dan Ballard is set to captain Northern Ireland tonight in their friendly against Andorra.

The Sunderland defender will skipper the side in the absence of Jonny Evans. Ballard has previously worn the armband later in games but this will be the first time from the start of a match.

He told the Belfast Telegraph, "It will be a dream come true.

"It will be different starting as skipper. I’m excited.

"It is one of the biggest honours a player can have and I’m really looking forward to it.

"My family will be over the moon and I’m sure they will be extremely proud just as I am."

You can follow live updates of Northern Ireland v Andorra here.

We asked for your thoughts on whether Sunderland should trigger the option to sign Callum Styles on a permanent basis after his loan last season. Here are some of your comments:

Anthony: I don't think that he did enough to deserve to be signed on a permanent basis. We need to sign better quality players for the Championship and I don't think he's at that level.

Gordon: I think he’s been unfortunate with game time and being out of position. I think he’s worth keeping.

Fraser: Styles was a good creative player on the ball and liked to get forward but didn't have that cutting edge sometimes and he didn't find a proper home at Sunderland when playing, he couldn't find a natural position and sticking to it.

Ron: Styles is a versatile player covering back and midfield. His contribution to games he has played in have been fairly effective. With his International experience albeit with Hungary, he should stay and help the younger players to develop. He will be an asset to the team for the future and only 23 years of age!

Paul: We shouldn’t sign Styles. He didn’t improve the team or bring something we didn’t already have. Money better spent elsewhere.

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Pascal Jansen is no longer being considered by Sunderland for the head coach vacancy.

The BBC understands the Black Cats have taken the decision to proceed with the other names on their shortlist.

The former AZ boss had emerged as a favourite for the role following Will Still favouring Lens instead of a move to Wearside and false reports of Stephen Robinson and Dave Challinor.

How do you feel about this latest update? Have your say here.

While the head coach search has been Sunderland's priority, with an appointment expected imminently, it might be time to start thinking about recruitment with the transfer window opening next week.

Corry Evans, Bradley Dack, Jack Diamond and Ellis Taylor were among the the players announced to be released by Sunderland when their contract expire at the end of this month.

It was also noted loanees Mason Burstow and Callum Styles had returned to their parent clubs but with the club retaining the option to sign the latter on a permanent basis.

Styles is part of the Hungary squad for the Euros this summer and has become a regular with more than 20 caps since his debut in March 2022.

The Hungary international joined the Black Cats on a short term loan in January from Barnsley and made 12 appearances for Sunderland. In that time he made one assist for the club but played in numerous positions across the pitch.

What did you think of Styles' time on loan at Sunderland? Should the Black Cats trigger the option to make it a permanent signing or look elsewhere? Have your say here.

We asked for your thoughts on Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' message to fans about Sunderland's head coach search. Here are some of your comments:

Mackem Dad: They always seem to be fighting fire all the time. It’s never a good look.

Clark: If Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' words are honest and true that's great. But I have an unnerving feeling he's only paying lip service, because he knows little about Sunderland's history and pride, and even less about football in general.

Richie: Nothing more than the usual rubbish from the owner. The same rubbish we got about the last head coach and where did that get us?

Patrick: I think that’s genuine, we don’t want another Beale so let’s wait 'til the process is over.

Paul: Let's hope they are true to their word as it's the fans who suffer and it's very frustrating when things happen which shouldn't have (Mowbray) so fingers crossed.