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Régis Le Bris handed blow as national publication makes Sunderland coaching claim – reports
Sunderland Face Hurdles in Pursuit of Former Wolves Goalkeeping Coach Neil Cutler
Sunderland may face delays or a significant financial outlay in their attempt to appoint Neil Cutler as their new goalkeeping coach, following the departure of Tom Weal.
Cutler, formerly on the coaching staff at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is currently on extended gardening leave after leaving the club — a contractual situation that could complicate his immediate move.
According to The Sun, Sunderland would either need to wait until the leave period expires or offer a substantial compensation package to bring him in sooner.
This potential appointment follows the exit of first-team goalkeeping coach Tom Weal, who has taken up a new role at League Two club Milton Keynes Dons.
Weal had joined Sunderland in February from Carlisle United, filling the vacancy created when Mike Dodds left for Wycombe Wanderers.
Despite only a brief stint on Wearside, Weal quickly built a strong working relationship with head coach Régis Le Bris and earned trust within the backroom staff.
He worked closely with first-choice goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and the senior goalkeeping unit, playing a key role in Sunderland’s strong defensive finish to the season.
His efforts contributed to the club’s dramatic return to the Premier League via the play-offs.
In a club statement, Sunderland expressed their gratitude to Weal. Head of Coaching Stuart English commented:
“After stepping in following Mike Dodds’ departure, Tom quickly integrated into the team and made a meaningful impact.
His work was instrumental in what turned out to be a historic achievement for the club.”
Weal’s exit marks the first confirmed backroom staff change since Sunderland secured promotion at Wembley. Additional changes are anticipated as Le Bris reshapes his Premier League coaching setup.
Cutler, 47, is considered one of the top goalkeeping coaches in the country, with experience at Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolves.
Whether Sunderland can resolve the contractual issues to bring him in remains uncertain, but their interest is both serious and ongoing.
Transfer Update: Tottenham Eyeing Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin
In transfer news, reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur are exploring the possibility of re-signing Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin this summer.
The North London club is looking to boost its homegrown quota as it prepares for a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Cirkin, 23, played a key role in Sunderland’s successful 2024–25 promotion campaign, making 39 appearances under Régis Le Bris. With only one year left on his contract, his future at the Stadium of Light is up in the air.
UEFA regulations require clubs competing in European competitions to include at least four ‘club-trained’ players in their squads — footballers who spent a minimum of three seasons at the club between the ages of 15 and 21.
Cirkin, a product of Spurs’ academy, fits that criterion and is reportedly among several former youth players under consideration by new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank as he prepares for the 2025–26 season.
