REGIS LE BRIS is yet to decide whether or not to replace Mike Dodds, but has paid tribute to the outgoing Sunderland coach.

Dodds was on the Black Cats bench during last night’s 3-2 win at Middlesbrough, but will now head to Wycombe Wanderers, where he has been appointed as the new head coach of the League One club.

The 38-year-old has had three spells in interim charge of Sunderland, and was retained by Le Bris in an assistant head coach position when the Frenchman arrived on Wearside in the summer.

Le Bris leant on Dodds’ knowledge extensively during the early days of his reign, and continued to value the coach’s support and insight as he settled into life as Sunderland boss.

“He was really important for the club, but for me as well,” said Le Bris. “When I came here, he helped me a lot to manage the first sessions, the first connections with the team and the club. And we found a good set-up together.

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“Now he has decided to leave because he wants to become a head coach and this will be a very good opportunity for him. We have to accept that but for sure, there is regret for me because we worked well together.”

Sunderland moved to strengthen their senior coaching ranks earlier this season, appointing Pedro Ribeiro to an assistant head coach role alongside Dodds.

Michael Proctor and goalkeeping coach Alessandro Barcherini currently complete the Black Cats’ senior coaching group, with Le Bris currently uncertain whether he will look to make a new appointment.

“I'm not sure yet whether we will replace him,” he said. “I just wanted to focus on the game against Middlesbrough and then we will look at it a bit later.”