Sunderland set sights on League Two man as Kristjaan Speakman plots potential ‘reshuffle’

Sunderland are looking towards League Two to bolster Regis Le Bris’ backroom staff ahead of a reshuffle.

The Black Cats have endured plenty of success so far in the 2024/25 Championship season, which has proven to have a night-and-day difference to the former campaign.

Regis Le Bris has been crucial in ensuring that Sunderland currently finds themselves in the higher echelons of the Championship table, and there is no doubt that the Frenchman’s ability to get the very best out of his squad has taken many by surprise after he arrived in England as a complete unknown.

Despite this success, it looks as though Sunderland are set for a reshuffle of their staff, which may have been sparked by Mike Dodds’ recent departure to League One side Wycombe Wanderers to become head coach.

One man that they are looking to target currently finds himself in League Two.

Sunderland set to swoop for Carlisle United goalkeeper coach Tom Weal

Sunderland’s next change to their backroom staff looks set to be in the goalkeeper department, with the Black Cats eyeballing a League Two man to join up on Wearside.

Per Alan Nixon on Patreon, the Black Cats are set to ‘thrash out a deal’ for Carlisle United goalkeeper coach Tom Weal.

The move for Weal, according to Nixon, will be part of a ‘reshuffle of their staff’, and they have looked towards the Carlise United man to play a part in that.

Weal was marked absent recently for Carlisle United, who have recently appointed former Stoke City boss Mark Hughes in place of Mike Williamson, previously of Newcastle United.

Tom Weal potential appointment shows Kristjaan Speakman and Regis Le Bris keeping faith in key philosophy

On the surface, a goalkeeper coach appointment feels like a minor move made by Kristjaan Speakman, but it cannot be underestimated the impact this can have on players.

With Weal, for example, it is clear that he has been bookmarked as someone who fits in with the philosophy of nurturing young talent, which is helped by having coaches who are experienced in this field.

Weal can get the best out of young talents, with him notching spells in youth coaching with Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, and Huddersfield Town.

Speakman has prioritised the development of Sunderland’s younger ranks since his arrival, whether that is through the academy or signing youth stars, and it is clear that, with this potential recruit, there will be no change in direction for the club.