Régis Le Bris misses Premier League award after Sunderland reach Europe | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris has been overlooked for the Premier League Manager of the Season despite leading Sunderland to a historic Europa League place.

The Sunderland head coach was among six nominees, alongside Keith Andrews, Mikel Arteta, Michael Carrick, Pep Guardiola and Andoni Iraola. Arteta took the prize after guiding Arsenal to the title, with Reuters reporting it marked the club’s first league crown in 22 years.

Le Bris oversaw one of the great promoted-team campaigns. Sunderland finished seventh and secured European football for the first time since 1973-74, a year on from promotion via the Championship play-offs. A dramatic final-day win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light capped a four-year climb from League One to Europe.

He consistently played down talk of Europe, yet his side defied forecasts and ended above Chelsea, Brentford and Brighton. Sunderland are among only a handful of newly promoted Premier League teams to reach Europe through league position.

Arteta’s victory is no surprise given Arsenal’s title success, but Le Bris’ shortlist place underlined the scale of his impact. The Frenchman has quickly become widely admired after transforming Sunderland’s prospects and re-establishing the club in the top flight.

Attention now turns to 2026-27, with Premier League and Europa League commitments alongside the FA Cup and Carabao. Le Bris has stressed the need for humility, hard work and continued improvement.

Source: Sunderland Echo