Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman Departs
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has left the club effective immediately. The decision to part ways with him came from the board of directors as they look to move forward without his leadership.
Florent Ghisolfi, the director of football, has been steering Sunderland’s football operations since July and has played a crucial role in assembling the successful team currently competing in the Premier League. The club’s leadership views Speakman’s departure as a natural conclusion to a transitional phase, rather than the beginning of an era.
Joining Sunderland in December 2020, Speakman has been instrumental in the club’s ascent from League One back to the Premier League during his five-year tenure. He came to Sunderland after 14 years at Birmingham City, taking on a newly created role at the Stadium of Light. His responsibilities included player identification, development, and acquisitions for both the first team and academy.
Under Speakman’s tenure, Sunderland achieved promotion from League One to the Championship in 2022, marking the end of four challenging seasons in the third tier. In 2024, Regis Le Bris took over and guided the club to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2025. Following a busy summer that saw the arrival of 15 new players, Sunderland has secured its place in the Premier League, currently sitting 11th in the table and 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
A New Chapter at Sunderland
Speakman’s exit signifies the closure of a chapter for Sunderland, beginning in League One and culminating with two promotions to the Premier League. While he was not the sole architect of this success, he can reflect on his five years at the club with a sense of achievement.
When Speakman joined, Sunderland was ninth in League One and struggling, having lost to Wigan Athletic in his first week. Now, just months later, Sunderland finds itself in the Premier League, avoiding the common fate of newly promoted clubs facing immediate relegation.
Last summer’s unexpected ambition in the transfer market saw the club sign significant players like Granit Xhaka and set transfer records for talents like Habib Diarra. Upon Speakman’s arrival, the squad was in disarray, with Max Power in midfield, and the signing of Will Grigg viewed as a major move.
While Speakman played a significant role, credit for the club’s resurgence is due to many. His visibility during the takeover in late 2020 by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus marked a new beginning for the club, which gradually began to be recognized for its fresh energy and smart recruitment strategies.
