Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman Departs Club
Sunderland AFC has announced the immediate departure of sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. This decision was made by the club’s board of directors as part of a strategic direction for the future.
Sunderland’s Leadership Transition
Director of football Florent Ghisolfi has been with Sunderland since July. He has played a significant role in shaping the club’s football operations and has been pivotal in the team’s recent success in the Premier League.
Kristjaan Speakman’s Tenure
- Join Date: December 2020
- Previous Experience: 14 years at Birmingham City
- Key Responsibilities: Player identification, development, and acquisitions for both the first team and academy
During his five years at Sunderland, Speakman was instrumental in the club’s ascent from League One to the Premier League. Under his leadership, Sunderland secured promotion from League One to the Championship in 2022 after four seasons in the second tier.
Recent Achievements
Regis Le Bris took over as head coach in 2024, guiding Sunderland to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in 2025. The club made significant strides in the summer transfer window, adding 15 new players to their roster.
Current Standings
Sunderland has successfully established themselves in the top flight and currently ranks 11th in the Premier League table. They are 12 points clear of the relegation zone, indicating a solid start to the season.
The board believes that Speakman’s exit signifies the end of a transitional period for the club, allowing Ghisolfi and the team to continue building on their current momentum.
