Sunderland have announced the departure of a major figure behind the scenes
Sunderland have confirmed the departure of sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
Speakman has been an integral part of the club’s rise back from League One having joined shortly before Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s takeover of the club was announced in December 2020. He oversaw the implementation of a new recruitment model as the club invested heavily in young players, as well as the rise of a number of academy players into first-team players.
Speakman was a key architect of the club’s two promotions back to the Premier League, but has seen his influence diminish since the arrival of Florent Ghisfoli as director of football in the summer. Ghisolfi led the summer recruitment drive and has been leading on football matters this season, and Speakman’s departure concludes a transitional period for the club. It’s thought that Speakman will not be directly replaced, as Ghisolfi is now the head of footballing operations. The club have confirmed in a statement that this is a decision taken by the board of directors as they plot the club’s next steps.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus paid tribute to Speakman’s legacy at the club, saying: “Kristjaan has made an important contribution to Sunderland AFC during a period of significant transition and growth, helping to rebuild the Club and restore its place in the Premier League. Strong foundations have been established throughout our football operations over the past five years, and that phase of redevelopment is now complete. As we look to the future, our focus is on building from that position of strength with clarity of direction and sustained progress. We are grateful for Kristjaan’s commitment and professionalism and wish him every success for the future.”
The club confirmed that Ghisolfi will lead on all footballing operations moving forward.
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Sunderland’s statement on Kristjaan Speakman’s departure in full
Sunderland AFC today confirms that Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has left the Club with immediate effect.
Kristjaan was a key figure during one of the most significant periods in the Club’s recent history, playing an important role in bringing Sunderland back to the Premier League.
Appointed in December 2020, he led a comprehensive rebuild of the Club’s football operations, reshaping its recruitment and performance infrastructure and restoring competitive momentum.
His time on Wearside included three victories at Wembley Stadium, including Sunderland’s first win at the national stadium since 1973 and two Play-Off Final wins.
With Premier League status restored and a strengthened football leadership structure in place, the Board of Directors has made the decision to continue the Club’s journey without Kristjaan.
Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi will continue to lead Sunderland’s sporting programme after assuming control of all football operations in July 2025.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “Kristjaan has made an important contribution to Sunderland AFC during a period of significant transition and growth, helping to rebuild the Club and restore its place in the Premier League. Strong foundations have been established throughout our football operations over the past five years, and that phase of redevelopment is now complete. As we look to the future, our focus is on building from that position of strength with clarity of direction and sustained progress. We are grateful for Kristjaan’s commitment and professionalism and wish him every success for the future.”
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