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“The promotion [tally], i think,the points should be around……”- Regis Le Bris sets Sunderland point target as he predicts ‘huge’ promotion-winning tally
The Championship season is always a tough grind, and Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris is determined not to get ahead of himself ahead of Saturday’s match against Oxford United.
So far in the 2024/25 season, no team has more points, goals, or wins than Sunderland. However, the Black Cats learned last year just how quickly fortunes can change, even after a solid start.
Sunderland was riding high after winning six of their first eight Championship games by October 2023, but a few months later, play-off hopes had turned into relegation worries, leading to Mick Beale replacing Tony Mowbray in the dugout.
After Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Luton Town in midweek, which extended their lead at the top of the table to three points, some might think a dramatic collapse is unlikely. However, Le Bris is cautious about complacency creeping in.
The season is only a quarter complete, and if Le Bris aims to be the first Sunderland manager since Roy Keane to lead the club to the Premier League, they’ll need to secure about 65 more points by May.
Le Bris Sets Points Target for Sunderland
“The promotion target should be around 90 points,” Le Bris said at a press conference ahead of the Oxford match. “Maybe it’s 82 or 88; I don’t know. We currently have 25, so we have a significant gap to close.”
In their last match, Chris Rigg’s third goal of the season and a stunning strike from Romaine Mundle helped Sunderland defeat Luton. Although they weren’t at their best, the team’s spirit and determination shone through as they held off Luton’s advances.
“They want to win together; it’s not just about tactics. It’s the power of the team and everyone’s commitment,” Le Bris added. “It’s still early days—only 11 games in, with 35 more to come. The goal is to build on these positive experiences. Winning eight out of 11 provides many positives.
“We understand that the margin between winning and losing is small. Right now, we’re not dominant; we’re in a balanced situation. While there are many positives, we still need to improve our game.”
Owner Praises Le Bris’ Impact
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has been very supportive of Le Bris, praising his communication skills and ability to maximize the talent available, which justified the summer appointment that initially divided opinions.
However, Louis-Dreyfus is hesitant to set any specific targets, acknowledging how quickly things can change in the unpredictable Championship.
“It’s too early to predict where the team will be at the end of the season,” he stated. “In my experience, I’ve seen teams at the bottom in November get promoted, and those at the top in February finish in 17th. The Championship is long and unpredictable.”
