Barnesy's Blog: Régis is Sunderland's boss cat!

10/31/2024 02:00 AM

"There is indeed a breeze blowing through the club right now, and with luck, it'll carry us all the way to the Premier League in May," writes Nick Barnes, BBC's Sunderland match commentator.

The Régis Le Bris revolution is in full evolution, and with a five-point lead at the top of the Championship plus the launch of the Mackem Cewkbewk, what better time to bake Pink Slices and devour Double Maxim Chocolate Brownies!

I'm not sure what Le Bris will make of the Cewkbewk or of Pink Slices, but he was reportedly spotted on Roker Beach the other weekend, and as the weeks go by, his cultivated Gallic reserve is gradually softening as he eases into Wearside ways.

I'm regularly asked the reason for Sunderland's remarkable turnaround — from potential relegation candidates at the end of last season to, dare I say, promotion contenders this season.

It's clear that Régis Le Bris is the driving force.

The foundation of the 48-year-old's success is his unwavering commitment to improvement. Even after a win, he'll point to areas of the match he felt were lacking. He strives to make the team better and aims to give it a unique identity. He's said he gets to work at 8:30 a.m. and doesn't leave until 8:00 p.m.

I read an interview with Marcel Desailly recently in which he explained why he didn't go into coaching, saying it consumes your soul and requires one hundred percent commitment.

This clearly resonates with Le Bris, whose entire focus revolves around the football club. His uprooting from France, where he spent his entire career, and his dedication to learning English are proof of his determination to succeed.

The players have responded well to his calm, level-headed manner. Aaron Connolly, for instance, speaks of how Le Bris sat down with him, discussing his life and lifestyle with empathy and understanding. The Frenchman, like Tony Mowbray before him, recognises the human side of football, while balancing the strengths and weaknesses of his players within the broader team picture.

Early on, Le Bris remarked that he knew exactly where he wanted Jobe to play, and what a revelation the now 19-year-old has been. He has given players responsibility and clarity, and they've risen to the occasion. Seventeen-year-old Chris Rigg is another example: Le Bris has shown faith in him, and look at the response. The players crave clarity, and he has delivered. Mike Dodds often spoke about clarity last season, but unfortunately, his search for it got lost in the wider picture as injuries and the lack of a striker derailed the season. Results slipped, and the team lost confidence.

But Dodds is now part of Le Bris's coaching team and has received praise for his excellent planning and commitment to the new regime.

Le Bris leaves no stone unturned. It will be interesting to see how Pedro Ribeiro integrates into the setup. While Ribeiro is essentially equal to Dodds as assistant head coach, he seems to act more as Le Bris's right-hand man.

However, given how rigorously Le Bris ensures every base is covered, I suspect he'd dismiss the idea of a hierarchy within his coaching team.

That said, he's undoubtedly the leader of the gang. The Boss Cat.

The team needs a strong leader, and by team, I mean both players and staff.

Régis Le Bris has won Sunderland hearts in the style of the J.J. Cale song Call Me the Breeze. There is indeed a breeze blowing through the club right now, and with luck, it'll carry us all the way to the Premier League in May.

All he needs now to cement his status is to learn what "Régis, give us a wave" means!