The name Kristjaan Speakman was once one that divided Sunderland fans, with a lot of anger aimed at him particularly in the 2023/24 season. His control of transfers in the model of the club garnered lots
of praise and at times, lots of criticism which was only very rarely justified.
Speakman joined the club back in those dark, miserable days of League One, and with restricted scope, built a team to get us up and out of that dismal division. The combination of his data-driven signings and the unpredictability of Lee Johnson coupled with the resolve of Alex Neil made Speakman a success, bringing in some top players.
Appointed in December 2020, Speakman brought with him an approach and way of talking that fits right in on LinkedIn, but there’s no denying he got results. He was the first instance of Sunderland moving forward with a strategic model for success, and Kyril’s five-year plan to get us back to the Premier League was realised with huge help from Speakman.
We got promoted twice in three years because of his signings, all the while keeping the ship steady at times where, like during the 16th-placed finish, many around the club were losing their heads.
His hard work has certainly paid off for Sunderland, and after years of a failing hierarchical system he was brought in with the hopes of getting us moving back in the right direction. It wasn’t always straightforward, but we wouldn’t be back in the Premier League without him.
Some of his signings were brilliant, others not so much, and his relationships with head coaches were not always smooth but decision-making was in the most part spot on.
The appointment of Florent Ghisolfi last summer felt as though a shift in momentum at the club, and any speculation that this was the start of the end for Speakman may be justified now. The club has evolved quickly in the last 12 months, and perhaps not just for players.
Speakman’s now former boss Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was glowing about him, and with good reason. The duo have worked hand in hand with a mix of head coaches over the last five years, forming a key partnership in one of our most successful periods as a club.
“Kristjaan has made an important contribution to Sunderland AFC during a period of significant transition and growth, helping to rebuild the Club and restore its place in the Premier League,” Kyril said.
“Strong foundations have been established throughout our football operations over the past five years, and that phase of redevelopment is now complete.
“As we look to the future, our focus is on building from that position of strength with clarity of direction and sustained progress. We are grateful for Kristjaan’s commitment and professionalism and wish him every success for the future.”
Kristjaan Speakman leaves Sunderland with plenty of credit in the bank, and a lot of thanks and appreciation. Whichever club he ends up with next will be very lucky, and I wish him all the best (but not if he comes sniffing around any of his former players…)
