Kristjaan Speakman sends message to fans following first days as Sunderland sporting director

Sunderland's new sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has spoken about his first days in the job on social media, following the Black Cats’ loss to Wigan Athletic in League One on Saturday.

The 41-year-old will lead Sunderland’s overall football programme, and will be handed a major role in club recruitment from the academy to first-team level and will work above new head coach Lee Johnson.

Speakman has been tasked with ‘reviewing and implementing new strategies’ in areas such as data analytics and innovation. A vital part of his remit will also be in establishing a ‘clear pathway’ to the first team for academy players.

Speaking on Twitter, he said: “A frustrating end to a really productive first week @SunderlandAFC. Incredible effort by many to make this happen and from here we can start to move forward...”

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