Cool customer Le Bris takes things step by steady step

HEAD coach Regis Le Bris will continue to "ride the wave" after Sunderland's impressive season following promotion to the Premier League continued with a battling goalless draw at Brighton.

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The high-flying Black Cats shrugged off the loss of a host of first-team regulars to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to build on last weekend's Wear-Tyne derby win over Newcastle.

A largely uneventful stalemate at the Amex Stadium moved Sunderland on to 27 points from 17 games ahead of a memorable 2025 concluding at home to Leeds next weekend.

Asked about the club's progress, Frenchman Le Bris, who masterminded promotion through the Championship playoffs last term, said: "It's tough and it's always step by step. We are well connected with Sunderland, with the club, with the project, and so far it's really positive, so just ride the wave."