Who had heard of Régis Le Bris before the summer? Be honest … yeah, thought so. Sunderland supporters might have felt a bit underwhelmed by his appointment, especially after the club was linked with big names like Graham Potter and Steve Cooper. Even Will Still, the elusive Anglo-Belgian tactician, was on the radar. Instead, Le Bris landed at the Stadium of Light, and even those who knew his work were skeptical, given his recent relegation with Lorient. But maybe Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the 27-year-old billionaire owner, has hit the jackpot this time. Forget about Simon Graysons, Chris Colemans, Alex Neils, and Lee Johnsons – how many have we forgotten? Under Le Bris, Sunderland is five points clear at the top after 12 games.

How did the new manager achieve this? Mainly by trusting young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, and sticking to a structured 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes possession, according to midfielder Dan Neil. Neil, among others, has taken on more responsibility in the new setup. 'He has definitely brought new ideas, new ways of playing,' said the 22-year-old about Le Bris, who is quickly becoming a hero in Sunderland. The crowds are returning too, with over 40,000 fans flocking to the Stadium of Light every other week. This weekend, Sunderland visits struggling QPR, and betting against them would be foolish.

The significance of that five-point lead at this stage of the season, especially in the unpredictable Championship, remains to be seen. Surprises are everywhere. Luton might have made some fancy new friends in the Premier League last term, but they’ve returned to find themselves in the relegation zone. Watford’s future under Tom Cleverley is uncertain, and who knows what will happen with Cardiff? They failed to win in their first eight games but are now unbeaten in their last five under caretaker manager Omer Riza.

The only clubs making sense are Burnley, thriving under Scott Parker, and Sheffield United, winning games thanks to a strong defense. Norwich hasn’t lost at home in over a year but is still only eighth. Then there’s Leeds. Whether they win big, draw late, or lose to someone unexpected, they’re always close to the automatic spots.

At 12pm, Manchester United announced the appointment of Rúben Amorim as head coach. He signed a contract until June 2027 with an option for an additional year. Amorim will join United on November 11 after fulfilling his obligations with Sporting CP, including a match against Manchester City and a farewell fixture against Braga.

Worthing FC owner George Dowell, who was paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident at 17, has helped rebuild the non-league club. He spoke with Ed Aarons before their FA Cup first-round tie against Morecambe.

Re: memorable headlines. Following an injury to Shane Long in 2011, then-West Brom manager Roy Hodgson believed Simon Cox could step up for the Republic of Ireland. The sub at RTÉ might still be wondering how they got away with that headline – Mike Slattery.

Rúben Amorim’s recent comment about the situation making him nervous was revealing. Does he realize that managing Manchester United is a never-ending soap opera until the day he’s fired? – John Weldon.

Re: Thursday’s subhead: 'The waiting is the hardest part.' Would it be Petty of me to suggest that Amorim should refuse to Back Down from his demands that the Free Falling club shells out for his assorted assistants? This saga has Heartbreaker written all over it. What’s Portuguese for Don’t Do Me Like That? – Pål Jørgen Bakke.

Given that 'brat' has just been chosen as Collins’ word of the year, perhaps it would have been more fitting for a Real Madrid player to win the Ballon D’or after all – Noble Francis.

Re: Amorim’s in-tray on Big Website. Are these articles now a template in which the new manager and misfiring players’ names can be inserted with each new appointment at Old Trafford? – Darren Leathley [Yes – Football Daily Ed].

Source link:   https://www.theguardian.com