'What an owner!': Sunderland coach makes exciting prediction as fans react to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' 'fantastic' gesture

And he has predicted that brighter things could be on the horizon for the Black Cats after the arrival of the 23-year-old and his new-look executive team.

Louis-Dreyfus was in attendance at the bet365 Stadium as Sunderland’s second string secured passage to the promotion play-off final courtesy of a 2-0 win – with Proctor praising the fact that the club’s majority shareholder made the midweek journey.

"It’s fantastic for the players, first and foremost, to see the owner here and supporting what we’re trying to do here within the academy,” he said.

"It’s great that he made the effort to come and Kristjaan Speakman is here as well.

"Hopefully this is the start of better things to come for the club.”

Louis-Dreyfus was quick to congratulate every member of the under-23 squad and coaching staff following the victory, which has teed-up a final with Crystal Palace next week.

And fans were pleased to see their new owner taking an interest in the club’s academy – with plenty taking to social media to praise his gesture:

@juliesund said: “Brilliant and when you think of his age, it’s all the more impressive”

@SAFCLiam17 added: “Love this man with a passion”

@safcpete67 commented: “And what an owner !!! Things are really looking up.”

@dpgroves6 posted: “This is the ownership/leadership #SAFC fans want to see!! "Billionaire spends a wet Monday night in Stoke!"”

@charlieshanks04 tweeted: “quality owner, he actually cares about the club which is hugely beneficial for the future”

@BradfordGavin added: “I honestly think we are in good hands with this bloke”

@ConnorGardner said: “It’s just the little things. The fact our billionaire owner has travelled down to Stoke on a Monday night to watch our under 23’s is enough of sign for me that we are absolutely in capable and committed hands.”

@Ridderz86 posted: “Kyrill Louis-Dreyfus could be swanning around Monaco on his yacht but instead travelled to Stoke on a Monday night to watch the Sunderland bairns”

@RejectedBook commented: “Absolutely love this . . .Not sure people realise how good an owner we now have. He LOVES football.”

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