The Sunderland head coach has enjoyed another impressive campaign with the Black Cats, and has now been recognised for his exploits during the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has been nominated for the Premier League manager of the 2025/26 season award.
The Frenchman is amongst esteemed company, with Keith Andrews, Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola, Pep Guardiola and interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick also up for the prestigious accolade.
Over the course of the campaign, Sunderland have cemented themselves as a solid mid-table side, with a finish in the European places still up for grabs heading into Saturday’s trip to Everton and the final-day visit of Chelsea.
If Arsenal do go on to lift the Premier League trophy, then it will likely be Gunners boss Arteta who is crowned the winner, but Le Bris has more than justified his nomination after working wonders on Wearside.
Why Regis Le Bris was nominated for Manager of the Season
Upon their return to the top flight via the Championship play-off final comeback victory over Sheffield United last year, Sunderland were vastly tipped as instant relegation candidates.
However, Le Bris, in just his second season in English football, had other ideas.
His Sunderland squad crossed the revered 40-point mark in March, and have proven throughout the season that they did not earn promotion just to make up the numbers, taking points of many of the ‘big six’ this term and doing the double over their Saudi-backed, bitter regional rivals Newcastle United.
Le Bris’ pragmatism and in-game management has been a monumental aid to Sunderland’s prospects this season, as well as his proven ability to nurture young talent in the form of Noah Sadiki and Chris Rigg, in addition to bedding in over £150m worth of summer signings.
Rightfully so, the former Lorient boss has been nominated for the award, having been nominated for Manager of the Month on three separate occasions over the season.
Announcing Le Bris’ nomination, the Premier League’s website said: “Following an exceptional first season at Sunderland where he guided the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League, Le Bris has continued to work wonders at the Stadium of Light, overseeing a possible top-half finish and outside chance of European qualification.
“Nominated three times for the Barclays Manager of the Month award in August, September and March, the Frenchman also became only the second Sunderland manager to win each of his first two league games against rivals Newcastle United.”
Regis Le Bris has given Sunderland fans a season to remember
Sunderland sit 12th in the Premier League table, one spot and two points above their out-of-form north east neighbours, heading into the final two clashes of the campaign.
Le Bris’ efforts on the touchline has given the Black Cats faithful a season to remember, with many memorable moments, two derby victories, and the fans being able to enjoy the season without ever having to fear relegation.
When contextualised by the fact it is only Le Bris’ second season at Sunderland, and only his fourth in a senior head coach role, it makes his exploits even more impressive and his nomination absolutely warranted.
The award is decided by public votes and an expert panel, and Sunderland fans can vote for Le Bris to be named as Premier League Manager of the Season by voting via the Premier League website.