Post by Les on Mar 22, 2024 18:28:52 GMT
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Exciting Sunderland news hints at Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' future
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus decision to put money into improving the Stadium of Light is another example of his long-term commitment to Sunderland.
Sunderland have endured a miserable 2024, with the spotlight really turning on owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Sunderland fans critical of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus
The decision to sack Tony Mowbray and turn to Michael Beale in December looked like a real bold call, and it’s fair to say it spectacularly backfired, with the ex-Rangers chief dismissed after just two months.
As well as the poor managerial appointment, Louis-Dreyfus came in for fierce criticism after the pre-match issues ahead of the Newcastle United FA Cup tie. When you add in an underwhelming January transfer window, where the club failed to address the need for an experienced striker, you can understand why the fans are frustrated.
And, those concerns about the team have proven to be justified, as Sunderland, who are without a permanent head coach, have failed to win in seven, with a top six finish looking highly unlikely.
So, there will be a demand for Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman to get things right from a football perspective, as the size of Sunderland, and their potential, means the Premier League has to be the aim.
Sunderland’s off-field plans
Yet, there does need to be a balance when it comes to any criticism of Louis-Dreyfus, as it’s clear that he has good intentions for Sunderland, and that was reinforced this week.
That’s after it was revealed that the club are investing millions of pounds to help ‘improve fan experience’ at the Stadium of Light.
Part of that is the introduction of safe standing, which also shows that Louis-Dreyfus is listening to the supporters, which he deserves credit for, and there will also be changes to the PA system and floodlights.
Of course, many fans will only really care about the result on a Saturday, and, make no mistake, the priority for the Black Cats always has to be what happens on the pitch.
Yet, the modern game is increasingly highlighting the need to expand your reach and to increase revenues, which often comes through those on the terraces. So, it’s a real positive that Louis-Dreyfus recognises that, and is putting his money in to make things better for Sunderland.
Sunderland’s long-term future
Another area where the Wearside outfit excel is their academy, and the number of young players they give opportunities to.
This strategy has been in place for years now, and whilst the lack of experience may annoy fans on occasions, there’s no doubt the club have a philosophy and structure that they’re working towards.
Furthermore, it’s another example of Louis-Dreyfus putting the long-term future of Sunderland ahead of any instant success.
The importance of developing players, and being able to sell for big profit at the right time, is pivotal for clubs like Sunderland, otherwise PSR can catch up with you, as the likes of Leicester City and Nottingham Forest are finding out.
But, that’s not going to be a problem for Sunderland, as they are laying the foundations of building a young, talented squad, and whilst they will have to sell along the way, Brighton is the obvious model that they’re trying to replicate.
Ultimately, despite a turbulent past few months, Sunderland are in the right hands under Louis-Dreyfus, as he continues to put the foundations in place to make the club a force in the years to come.
Exciting Sunderland news hints at Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' future
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus decision to put money into improving the Stadium of Light is another example of his long-term commitment to Sunderland.
Sunderland have endured a miserable 2024, with the spotlight really turning on owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Sunderland fans critical of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus
The decision to sack Tony Mowbray and turn to Michael Beale in December looked like a real bold call, and it’s fair to say it spectacularly backfired, with the ex-Rangers chief dismissed after just two months.
As well as the poor managerial appointment, Louis-Dreyfus came in for fierce criticism after the pre-match issues ahead of the Newcastle United FA Cup tie. When you add in an underwhelming January transfer window, where the club failed to address the need for an experienced striker, you can understand why the fans are frustrated.
And, those concerns about the team have proven to be justified, as Sunderland, who are without a permanent head coach, have failed to win in seven, with a top six finish looking highly unlikely.
So, there will be a demand for Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman to get things right from a football perspective, as the size of Sunderland, and their potential, means the Premier League has to be the aim.
Sunderland’s off-field plans
Yet, there does need to be a balance when it comes to any criticism of Louis-Dreyfus, as it’s clear that he has good intentions for Sunderland, and that was reinforced this week.
That’s after it was revealed that the club are investing millions of pounds to help ‘improve fan experience’ at the Stadium of Light.
Part of that is the introduction of safe standing, which also shows that Louis-Dreyfus is listening to the supporters, which he deserves credit for, and there will also be changes to the PA system and floodlights.
Of course, many fans will only really care about the result on a Saturday, and, make no mistake, the priority for the Black Cats always has to be what happens on the pitch.
Yet, the modern game is increasingly highlighting the need to expand your reach and to increase revenues, which often comes through those on the terraces. So, it’s a real positive that Louis-Dreyfus recognises that, and is putting his money in to make things better for Sunderland.
Sunderland’s long-term future
Another area where the Wearside outfit excel is their academy, and the number of young players they give opportunities to.
This strategy has been in place for years now, and whilst the lack of experience may annoy fans on occasions, there’s no doubt the club have a philosophy and structure that they’re working towards.
Furthermore, it’s another example of Louis-Dreyfus putting the long-term future of Sunderland ahead of any instant success.
The importance of developing players, and being able to sell for big profit at the right time, is pivotal for clubs like Sunderland, otherwise PSR can catch up with you, as the likes of Leicester City and Nottingham Forest are finding out.
But, that’s not going to be a problem for Sunderland, as they are laying the foundations of building a young, talented squad, and whilst they will have to sell along the way, Brighton is the obvious model that they’re trying to replicate.
Ultimately, despite a turbulent past few months, Sunderland are in the right hands under Louis-Dreyfus, as he continues to put the foundations in place to make the club a force in the years to come.
