Sunderland defender reveals Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' positive impact ahead of new League One campaign

Tom Flanagan says that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover of Sunderland has led to a different feel at the Academy of Light this summer.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

And the defender believes that the anticipation of what the billionaire could bring to the club means that the squad are in a different place to previous summers.

Louis-Dreyfus watched from the stands as the Black Cats beat Hearts in a pre-season friendly on Saturday and has been busy at work behind the scenes transforming the club – as he has been since purchasing a majority stake in February.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunderland’s previous summers in League One have been clouded with off-field uncertainty, but with that new resolved the focus can be placed squarely on driving the club forward.

Sunderland defender reveals Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' positive impact ahead of new League One campaignSunderland defender reveals Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' positive impact ahead of new League One campaign
Sunderland defender reveals Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' positive impact ahead of new League One campaign

Indeed, it has been notable in Sunderland’s first two public pre-season fixtures that the mood in the camp has been remarkably good.

And Flanagan believes some of that is down to the early impact of Louis-Dreyfus.

“I think that comes from new ownership and things like that,” he admitted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think there's a bit of anticipation for what he's going to do, no-one really knows yet. There's things changing around the training ground and it's a bit of a new era.”

Tom Flanagan in action for Sunderland at HeartsTom Flanagan in action for Sunderland at Hearts
Tom Flanagan in action for Sunderland at Hearts

Sunderland’s squad have also been keen not to dwell on their play-off failure last season, with Flanagan focusing purely on the challenge that lies ahead.

While the effects of the defeat to Lincoln City may linger externally, internally the focus is on achieving promotion at the fourth attempt.

And while there is plenty of squad rebuilding work to be done in order to achieve that, the defender believes the early signs are positive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"With it being a bit of blank canvas in respect to us needing so many players, we could go one of two ways - but it looks like we're going in the right direction,” said Flanagan.

"Hopefully this will be the year, but we've had some crazy bad luck and some poor performances.

"Ultimately that's gone now, I'll think about that when I'm working in an office or something when I'm finish and I'll think about the time we messed it up.

"But for now, all I'm concentrating on is the next 50 games and moving forward.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Squad morale has also benefitted from the pre-season trip to Edinburgh, which saw the squad at close-quarters for five days.

And Flanagan has shed some light on the off-field activities that were waiting for the squad in Scotland – with head coach Lee Johnson keen to maximise the time spent as a group.

“We had Rob Mason come in, the club historian, and that was quite an eye-opener for a lot of the group,” explained the defender.

"We've had someone come in from the SAS and just generally spend time together. We're going to spend a long season with each other so we may as well get any tension out early doors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The weather has helped and it's been different for everyone being in a city for pre-season. Usually you're out in the middle of nowhere and you don't see anyone, so it's been good for the group.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor