In his time at the Academy of Light, the former Birmingham City man has overseen a radical overhaul of the club’s playing squad with the Wearsiders’ focusing on their academy, and buying young players to be nurtured and blooded in the first team.
It is a strategy that has produced results, with Speakman providing a squad that Alex Neil managed to brilliantly turn into promotion winners following Lee Johnson’s under-achievement.
However, with any recruitment strategy, there are pros and cons. Speakman has been criticised in some quarters for not providing Sunderland with enough depth, as evidenced by the injuries to Ross Stewart and the recall of Ellis Simms which left Tony Mowbray without any senior strikers for large parts of last season. Sunderland then failed to sign an experienced striker during the last January window.
Here, though, we drill down into every signing sanctioned by Speakman since his arrival at the club and rate them from one to ten.
9. Leon Dajaku
Dajaku is a strange case. He possesses in his locker and has shown some real quality during his time at Sunderland but has struggled for consistency due to various injuries and other factors. Failed to make an impact in the Championship. Definitely was not a striker as claimed at one point. Scored four in 22 in Sunderland in League One but has since departed the club. 5/10 Photo: Stu Forster
10. Jack Clarke
The attacker has been superb for Sunderland during his time at the club, chipping in with 24 goal contributions in all competitions last season. A potential sale could also net the club millions in profits. 10/10. Photo: Nigel Roddis
11. Dennis Cirkin
A defender plucked from Tottenham's academy and thrust into Sunderland's first team. It is safe to say Cirkin has equipped himself brilliantly and is a player whose ceiling is extremely high. Another amazing transfer given his potential and resale value coupled with his in-game contributions. 9/10 Photo: FRANK REID
12. Jay Matete
Matete has gradually improved since joining Sunderland and was part of the squad that gained promotion from League One. The midfielder was sent out on loan to Plymouth last January and it will be interesting to see what now happens to him this season now that he has joined Oxford United on loan. 6/10 Photo: Clive Brunskill