Le Bris officially starts work as Sunderland’s new boss tomorrow following his departure from French top-flight club Lorient, having spent the latter part of last week settling in to his new surrounds on Wearside.

The 48-year-old inherits a Sunderland side that tumbled down the Championship table in the second half of last season, eventually finishing in 16th position, just six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Black Cats won just two of their final 15 matches under the caretaker stewardship of Mike Dodds, but as prepares to take charge of his first training session, Le Bris is adamant the building blocks for a successful season are already in place.

“I can understand that the foundations of the club are very strong,” said the Frenchman. “It’s all about the history, but also about the future. We need to link the two ideas together to build the future.