Le Bris: I'm not scared of Premier League challenge

HEAD coach Regis Le Bris has been busy talking to Italian outlets as he prepares for the Premier League season at Sunderland.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

The inspirational Frenchman had a remarkable first season on Wearside, guiding the club to promotion, and he has reflected on the emotions he felt after promotion as well as discussing his excitement ahead of next season.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport and Cronache di Spogliatoio, Le Bris answered questions on a range of topics, including what it would be like to manage against some of the top-flight's best managers.

On how the club is awakening from a period when they languished in League One for four seasons, he said: "Sunderland is a giant of English football that has fallen and is now resurrecting. The thing that impressed me most about the series is the attachment to the team by the fans. These are people who live for Sunderland. They have an incredible passion for this club."

He added: "The first time I met the supporters was in front of the official club shop, when the new shirt came out. There was a 100-metre queue, with people waiting there since the morning to buy the shirt. They didn't know me, I was almost a stranger.