Exclusive: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' role in Sunderland manager hunt and why Danny Cowley talks ended

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has played a hands-on role in appointing Sunderland's new manager – even though his proposed takeover of Sunderland has yet to be confirmed.
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The French billionaire is on the verge of taking a controlling interest in the Black Cats along with existing shareholder Juan Sartori.

The 22-year-old, the son of former Marseille owner Robert, is waiting on EFL clearance over his takeover, but that hasn't stopped him appointing Kristjaan Speakman as the club's new director of football.

Prospective new Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus with his mother Margarita.Prospective new Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus with his mother Margarita.
Prospective new Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus with his mother Margarita.
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And the Echo can reveal that Louis-Dreyfus also interviewed prospective managerial candidates after the sacking of Phil Parkinson, before Lee Johnson was handed the job this weekend.

Louis-Dreyfus and Speakman held talks with a shortlist of managers, including former Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town manager Danny Cowley and his brother Nicky.

The Echo understands that Cowley was impressed with the duo and with the project they are putting together at the Stadium of Light when it was put to him during the discussions.

The former Imps manager was happy to work alongside Speakman and felt that his own managerial and coaching style would fit the needs of the club moving forward.

Sunderland's new director of football Kristjaan Speakman watches on from the stand against Wigan.Sunderland's new director of football Kristjaan Speakman watches on from the stand against Wigan.
Sunderland's new director of football Kristjaan Speakman watches on from the stand against Wigan.
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Cowley – who is keen to return to the dugout after leaving Huddersfield at the end of last season – had watched a dozen of Sunderland games this season and is believed to have identified to Speakman and Louis-Dreyfus that major work was needed on the attacking style of their play.

However, the former Lincoln boss is believed to have had reservations on the time on offer to meet the objectives set for a new managerial team and it was the length of contract, rather than money or control over transfers, that was the reason why talks were ended.

Johnson then emerged as the frontrunner for the role late on Friday, before being confirmed as Parkinson's successor in the Sunderland hotseat on Saturday.

Read More
The inside story on Lee Johnson’s appointment and what comes next
Danny Cowley was interviewed for the Sunderland manager's job.

 (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Danny Cowley was interviewed for the Sunderland manager's job.

 (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Danny Cowley was interviewed for the Sunderland manager's job. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Louis-Dreyfus’ involvement with Sunderland is now undergoing the EFL's owners' and directors' test.

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Once ratified it is understood an ‘ownership group’ will be in charge of the club with Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori having a 79 per cent controlling interest, Stewart Donald’s shareholding reduced to 15 per cent and Charlie Methven retaining a six per cent share.