Sunderland this morning confirmed the exit of Speakman with immediate effect. During his five years with Sunderland, Speakman led what the club described as a "comprehensive rebuild of football operations", with the Black Cats climbing from League One to the Premier League and winning three times at Wembley.
Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said Speakman made an "important contribution to Sunderland during a period of significant transition and growth", words echoed by Le Bris.
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The head coach said: "I share the words of the owner. Kristjaan was a huge contributor to the club development.
"From League One to Premier League, now, that deserves huge respect.
"Personally he was really important for me, especially at the beginning for my integration: new language, new league, new players, new club. He helped me a lot. That's part of professional life."
Speakman helped to identify Le Bris as a leading contender for the head coach vacancy in the summer of 2024, with the sporting director then working closely with the Frenchman during his first summer transfer window and last January.
Florent Ghisolfi then arrived as new director of football in the summer and led the impressive recruitment drive prior to Sunderland's first season back in the Premier League. Ghisolfi will now continue to lead on all football operations, as he has done since his arrival from Roma.
Le Bris is extremely grateful to Speakman for his support over the past 18 months.
He said: "On a daily basis, when you start in a new country, language is really key. It's not a direct translation.
"You have culture and nuances. He helped me a lot for that part, as a coach and with the connection with the players."