Sunderland fans have this transfer message for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus as takeover saga nears resolution

The Echo can today reveal the first set of results from our Big Sunderland AFC Survey, which attracted responses from hundreds of supporters over the last week.

We asked fans for their views on Sunderland's ownership situation, on and off-field prospects and the start to Lee Johnson’s reign.

And fans had some strong views on the impending takeover of the club by Louis-Dreyfus – which is awaiting EFL approval:

Will the deal get done?

Louis-Dreyfus’ appearances at the last two Sunderland fixtures have raised hopes that a deal will indeed be done.

And there is a confidence among fans that Stewart Donald’s time in charge of the club is coming to an end, with only 30.6% of those who responded to the survey saying they weren’t confident that the takeover would happen.

In contrast, 42.6% said they were confident a deal would happen – with a further 26.8% stating they were very confident that Louis-Dreyfus will take control of the club.

What should Louis-Dreyfus’ first priority be?

A big debate among supporters is what the 24-year-old’s focus should be on if he takes charge.

And the fans who responded to our survey had a clear message on that front – as they urged Louis-Dreyfus to splash the cash on new players.

47.8% believe that investing in the playing squad should be the prospective new owner’s first priority, with the prospect of a fourth season in League One still a very real prospect.

The club’s structure is also an area that fans feel needs addressing, with the Black Cats still looking to fill a number of key roles.

An academy manager and head of player recruitment are set to be appointed soon, and 25.4% of those who responded feel that improving the structure of the club behind the scenes should be a top priority.

Other areas which fans feel Louis-Dreyfus should focus on during the early days of his reign are improving the player recruitment process (17.3%), investing in the academy (5.3%) and improving the Stadium of Light (0.6%).

How effective have the recent changes been?

Louis-Dreyfus’ arrival the club has been preceded by some notable changes in the club’s structure, with Kristjaan Speakman appointed as sporting director as Sunderland overhaul their footballing operations.

And fans have responded well to the changes, with only 11.6% of those surveyed saying they felt concerned by the structure switch.

The vast majority of supporters – 66.9% – were cautiously optimistic about the changes made to the operation while 21.5% said they were very enthused.

But the proof will be in the pudding, and for Sunderland that will be whether the club can return to the Premier League under Louis-Dreyfus’ regime.

While that prospect may seem a long way off at the moment, 20.7% of fans believe that the new ownership could lead the club back to the top flight given their financial firepower.

51.5% of those who responded to the survey believe a return to the Premier League is possible if the correct decisions are made, while 27.8% weren’t fully convinced.

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