Kristjaan Speakman issues statement after Sunderland departure | OneFootball

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has left Sunderland with immediate effect. The club said in a statement that the decision was made by the board, with Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi continuing to lead football operations.

Speakman joined in December 2020, shortly before Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s takeover was announced, and played a central role in the club’s rise from League One. He introduced a youth-focused recruitment model and oversaw several academy graduates stepping into the first team.

In his farewell message, he described leading the club over six seasons as an honour and thanked his wife and children for their support. He said reconnecting the team with the region’s identity was a source of pride, and he expressed gratitude to friends, neighbours, coaches, staff and players for their commitment. He also praised the fans and wished the team well for the remainder of the season.

The club credited him as a key figure in a significant period, highlighting his role in bringing Sunderland back to the Premier League. It said he led a comprehensive rebuild, reshaping recruitment and performance structures and restoring competitive momentum, before the board opted to continue without him.

His time on Wearside featured three Wembley wins, including the club’s first at the national stadium since 1973 and two Play-Off Final victories. With Premier League status restored and leadership strengthened, Ghisolfi, who assumed control of all football operations in July 2025, will continue to lead the sporting programme.

Source: Sunderland Echo