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Speakman gone

For context, the below was the first starting 11 named when he walked in the door:

Burge

McLaughlin
Flanagan
Wright
Hume

Scowen
Leadbitter
Power

Maguire
Grigg
McGeady

I'm sorry like but there's not even room for debate on this one - anyone who doesn't think he has done an exceptional job is simply an idiot.

Thank you for everything Kristjaan. You will always be very fondly remembered here for the crucial role you played.
 

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.”
 
The Situation said:
For context, the below was the first starting 11 named when he walked in the door:

Burge

McLaughlin
Flanagan
Wright
Hume

Scowen
Leadbitter
Power

Maguire
Grigg
McGeady

I'm sorry like but there's not even room for debate on this one - anyone who doesn't think he has done an exceptional job is simply an idiot.

Thank you for everything Kristjaan. You will always be very fondly remembered here for the crucial role you played.
Click to expand...
Absolutely
 
Pretty gutted about this because he’s undoubtedly done a tremendous job. That said, I reckon the plan all along has probably been to phase over to Ghisolfi as the ‘next level up’ - in a similar way to upgrading on players that got us to the Championship and then PL. And that isn’t a slight against Speakman at all, I’ll forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve.
 
Obviously Ghisolfi the main man now.

Mixed feelings Tbh, done amazing for us and he is no doubt as massive reason we got promoted.
 
I mean, I was a big critic of him at some stages, but it leaves me with a sense of uncertainty about the direction of the club now he's gone. I wonder what the practical repercussions will be.

Another slate of the pre premier league club wiped clean. KLD better know what he's doing.
 
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