Just over three years ago, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus bought a stake in Sunderland, but there was more to the Frenchman’s presence than first struck the eye.
In June of 2022, Dreyfus took over as the club’s controlling stakeholder when it was revealed that he did not own the majority of shares at the Stadium of Light, holding only 41% of the club as opposed to 59% owned by individuals such as Stewart Donald, Juan Sartori, and Charlie Methven.
There are now just two proprietors of the Wearsiders: Dreyfus and Sartori. The former owns 64% of the team and is the youngest owner in the EFL at 26 years old.
Before he took control, Sunderland was languishing in the third division as a result of years of poor leadership.
The Wearside team, who made a push for promotion back to the Premier League last year, are currently in a more secure position.
Although the team’s season has been more chaotic on the field this year, there are still reasons to be positive about the team’s future.
Sunderland fan pundit gives Kyril Louis-Dreyfus rating
Sunderland supporter Jack Austwicke of FLW thinks Louis-Dreyfus has done a good job leading the team.
He does, however, believe that there is room for improvement, noting as a low point the January Newcastle United cup match at the Stadium of Light and the incident with the bar.
Austwicke told Football League World, “I think I’d give Kyril a fair seven rating, which is positive – it’s a good rating.”
His hires, such Kristjaan Speakman, the sports director, have improved the team’s roster by bringing in quality players.
Undoubtedly, they have contributed positively to the club, but they have also had some bad effects.
“There are certain areas where we could have invested more money but we haven’t yet, like the whole debacle with the Black Cats Bar back in the derby in January (when Newcastle United fans were given a hospitality area inside the Stadium of Light that is normally given to home supporters).”
Though I certainly hope so because I really like him, it remains to be seen as he is still very early in his tenure.
“I guess it remains to be seen, but there are some things that may not have been revealed yet and about which we don’t know too much.”
Sunderland’s challenge of a play-off place this year has taken a huge dent in recent weeks, with the team currently in the middle of a seven game winless run.
Mike Dodds is in charge of the first team squad until the end of the campaign, as the club searches for a long-term replacement for Michael Beale.
Beale lasted just 12 games as head coach, having replaced Tony Mowbray in December.
Sunderland now sit 12th in the Championship table, 13 points adrift of a play-off place.
Managerial mess overshadowing smart Sunderland moves
Sunderland have made some very smart decisions in the last couple of years, which has been overshadowed by their poor choices regarding managers.
Replacing Tony Mowbray with Michael Beale proved to be a big own goal and hurt their season.
There is now a lot of pressure on the club to get the next appointment right, but the names the Black Cats have been linked with sound promising, with Danny Rohl and Will Still both mentioned as possible candidates.
If they can hire the right coach, then the squad has the potential to compete for promotion to the Premier League with one or two more solid first team signings, with someone capable of consistent goals a real need at the moment, and it will also make Louis-Dreyfus a more popular figure among all Sunderland fans.
