Cal Mills says…
Absolutely deserved!
We took him on after a dismal Championship season, he guided us back to the Premier League via the playoffs at the first time of asking, had all but secured our status for next season by March and oversaw a double over the ‘Visitors’.
He’s given us an identity as a team which is often stubborn and difficult to break down. Yet it’s eye-catching and rhythmic going forward and has led to some of the best and most consistent football I’ve seen the Lads play since the Peter Reid era.
Another excellent summer of recruitment and I strongly think he’ll be the man to lead us to European football should it not by some miracle happen this season, with two games to go.
Travail incroyable, Monsieur Le Bris!
John Wilson says…
I’m so very pleased for our little French general on several fronts and firstly, from a human perspective.
I think most of us would claim to be good readers of character and from my point of view, Le Bris is a very charming, kind and gentle guy.
He’s also unassuming and very humble, and I first recognised this as he wandered around the Wembley pitch after the playoff final.
He was just soaking up the atmosphere in his smart suit, letting the players take the plaudits until the players themselves pulled him into their group to join the celebrations. His demeanour at press conferences just highlights not only his knowledge but his politeness, giving respect to every question.
His tactical ability — whilst possibly still not fully honed — is phenomenal and Granit Xhaka refers to him as the new Arsene Wenger — high praise indeed! And the players and fans all have confidence in his absolute attention to detail and ability to change tactics mid-game.
Although some might not see his nomination as a serious possibility, I’d point out the huge turnaround he’s managed at the club. His first foray into the Premier League has been hugely successful and very impressive, and against much more experienced and seasoned managers.
I’m not sure he’ll actually win but how refreshing would it be if he did? Either way, he’s a winner in every Sunderland fan’s eyes. Congratulations, Régis.
Malc Dugdale says…
I think this is completely appropriate and no more than he deserves.
He has a decent chance of winning if it comes down to who performed best with the cards they’ve been dealt. Sadly, it often doesn’t come to that, but to be in the hat is bang on for me.
Our quiet little professor has weaved his magic time and again this season, and for to do as he has with fourteen new players in the summer to integrate is a massive achievement.
He hasn’t just scraped us to safety either — we’ve been in the top half pretty much all season, and have been challenging most of the so-called ‘top clubs’ at this level for points week after week. To still be in with an outside chance of Europe is pure madness for this fan base.
The away win at Chelsea, the away win that got away at Anfield, the home draw against Arsenal, the double over the Mags, the recent home draw against Manchester United…we would’ve dreamed of such results a year ago. He’s made them all happen and more, and although we’ve had the odd bad day, for Le Bris to deliver what he has is massive.
The easiest nomination the league had to make is this one. First name on the sheet, I reckon.
Well done, Reggie. Get your suit cleaned and comb your hair — you could well be in with a shout.
Tom Albrighton says…
A thoroughly deserved nomination for Le Bris, who was put forward for ‘manager of the month’ no less than three times during the season.
The job he’s done has been incredible and whilst cracks have emerged late in the season, the fact that survival had effectively been secured by the end of January says it all.
Organised, pragmatic and sprinkled with some occasional magic, Le Bris has taken Sunderland to a place perhaps even he himself didn’t think was possible.
A deserved nomination for what’s been a stellar job.
