Regis Le Bris’ 100 games at Sunderland, five standout moments from a remarkable tenure | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris reached 100 matches in charge with a narrow defeat at Manchester City, capping a remarkable spell and five standout moments.

Sunderland Echo notes he is the club’s 16th manager to hit the mark, the first since Roy Keane. His opening 100 matches returned 1.53 points per game, with 42 wins and 27 draws.

The Championship play-offs set the tone, a 2-1 first-leg win at Coventry sealed late by Eliezer Mayenda. Ballard then headed a stoppage-time second-leg winner to book Wembley, where Le Bris sent on Tom Watson and Patrick Roberts, Mayenda levelled and Watson struck a 95th minute clincher.

Back in the Premier League, opening day brought a 3-0 statement against West Ham, Ballard, Mayenda and Wilson Isidor scoring.

Sunderland completed a derby double over Newcastle United, the Stadium of Light roaring the hosts home first. Away, Le Bris’ tactical flexibility underpinned a comeback, Brian Brobbey striking a stoppage-time winner.

A 2-1 final-day win over Chelsea and a wait on results confirmed Europa League football. Le Bris’ first top-flight season ended seventh, a joint club best, featuring a 12-match home unbeaten run including draws with Manchester City and Arsenal.

Europe returned against AZ Alkmaar, Le Bris the first Sunderland manager since Bob Stokoe to lead a home European tie. Enzo Le Fee won and converted a 66th minute penalty to seal a first continental win in 53 years.

He has supplied moments few on Wearside imagined. The 50-year-old is under contract until August 2028 after a new deal signed before last season.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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