One former Sunderland star has been proven correct after making a bold prediction before the season.
Sunderland currently find themselves five points ahead at the summit of the Championship table after 12 games played, with an away trip to QPR providing an opportunity to build on that this weekend.
There was plenty of doubt at uncertainty going into the 2024/25 Championship season, and many spotted a cause for concern after Regis Le Bris’ appointment that his inexperience in the Championship could prove to be Sunderland’s achilles heel, with journalist Mike McGrath tipping the side for relegation.
That has certainly not been the case, and it looks like one former Sunderland star’s prediction looks to be ringing true for Le Bris after his emphatic start to life in Wearside.
Sunderland on track to proving Costel Pantilimon correct after bold pre-season prediction
Sunderland lost key player Jack Clarke in the summer, and there was every chance that the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg could have followed suit. The youngsters situation was proving to be somewhat of a double-edged sword for the Black Cats due to their uncertain future, but them staying this season has certainly propelled Le Bris’ side towards success.
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon recognised the brilliant talents within the squad and believed it was good enough for a promotion push, as he said before the 2024/25 season kicked off that the 2023/24 season ‘was not probably the best’ but the following campaign would see them ‘compete for promotion’.
He also went on to emphasise the need to have Sunderland in the Premier League due to them being ‘one of the most historical clubs in England’.
Regis Le Bris is the perfect man to guide his side to success
There is no doubt that Sunderland are on track to record a brilliant 2024/25 Championship season, and it will end in promotion if they can maintain this brilliant form.
The Black Cats have the firepower within their side, such as the likes of Bellingham and Romaine Mundle, alongside the likes of summer signing Wilson Isidor, who has been in incredible goalscoring form, scoring in his most recent two games.
But, above all, Le Bris is the one who has managed to get the very best out of his squad, and the likes of Mundle showed very few glimpses previously of what he is capable of until the Frenchman arrived in Wearside.
Sunderland have been urged to make significant steps in the coming January transfer window by former boss Sam Allardyce, and whilst a couple signings could help in regards to squad depth, the formula for promotion is in fact already at the club, and that has been proven by the successes delivered by Le Bris up to this point.