Regis Le Bris wants to add another coach to his backroom staff at Sunderland, and the perfect candidate has just become available.
Since taking over at Sunderland in the summer of 2024, Regis Le Bris has transformed the club’s fortunes on the pitch.
The Black Cats are currently sitting in fourth place in the Championship and as things stand, Sunderland appear to be on track for promotion this season.
But, to achieve his goals, Le Bris has asked for an extra coach to join his staff, and we may have just found the ideal man for the job.
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Dean Whitehead is no longer employed by Stoke City
As per a report from the Sunderland Echo, the managerial changes at Stoke City over the last week has seen former Sunderland midfielder-turned-coach, Dean Whitehead, leave the club along with manager, Narcis Pelach.
With the Potters struggling near the bottom of the Championship table, Pelach was relieved of his duties on December 27, 2024. He has since been replaced by former Coventry City boss, Mark Robins.
Whitehead had only joined Stoke in September of last year, teaming up with Pelach again after their time together at Watford.
The Sunderland legend is now a free agent after sticking around in the short-term to help interim manager Ryan Shawcross before Robins’ appointment.
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Regis Le Bris could embrace Sunderland’s past to progress in the future
With Le Bris looking for a new coach, there are a number of former Sunderland players he could look at to bring a bit of that Wearside spirit to the backroom staff.
Lee Cattermole is another who could be eyed by Sunderland for a role behind the scenes, after his chaotic and very brief spell at Bristol Rovers.
Le Bris has brought a sense of pragmatism and tactical nous to Sunderland, and while the young squad’s resilience and mentality is improving, the introduction of someone who has lived and breathed the experience of serving the fans at the Stadium of Light could be key to taking the club forward now.