
(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
Former Sunderland and Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is the latest to laud Regis Le Bris for what he has done on Wearside.
The 64-year-old, who recently departed Blackpool as manager, has also been in charge at the likes of Birmingham City, Hull City and Aston Villa among others, and knows a thing or two about management.
[Sunderland](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/sunderland) defeated Chelsea 2-1 last weekend, meaning they have made their best start to a top-flight season in 67 years.
Bruce led the Black Cats to a top 10 finish during his time at the Stadium of Light, but left under a cloud amid acrimonious claims that he was never given a proper chance by fans because of his Newcastle roots.
Now, however, he is full of praise for the job Le Bris is doing with the newly-promoted side, particularly given how many new signings have been brought into the club in recent months.
Bruce said: “The aim was always to get 10 wins and six or seven draws to stay up in the Premier League, and Sunderland have gotten five.
“Their recruitment has been absolutely brilliant. Where has he found all these guys?
“It’s so refreshing to see a team not struggle, as we’ve seen loads of teams have issues when coming up from the Championship.”
Bruce managed the Black Cats between 2009 and 2011, yet he became an incredibly polarising figure after taking the Newcastle job in 2019.
As Bruce pointed out, Sunderland have built up a healthy head start over their relegation rivals, and no team has ever been relegated after achieving 17 points from their first nine matches.
He thinks Le Bris deserves special praise for his achievements so far.
Sunderland are now predicted to avoid relegation, with Le Bris working wonders since arriving aged 49 in June 2024 as an unknown.
He has completely transformed the belief around the Stadium of Light, and the Mackems have already experienced several unforgettable moments under his stewardship.
Sunderland take on Everton on Monday night in a game shown live on Sky Sports. with an 8pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light.
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