Sunderland fans have taken to social media and fan forums to demand that head coach Regis Le Bris drop left-back Dennis Cirkin from the starting XI ahead of their crucial Championship clash against Hull City. Instead, they are calling for an academy star—widely believed to be Chris Rigg or another young talent—to be given a chance in the lineup.
The uproar comes after Cirkin’s recent performances, which have left many supporters frustrated. The 21-year-old defender, who has struggled with injuries this season, has been criticized for inconsistent displays, defensive lapses, and a lack of attacking contribution from the left side of Sunderland’s defense. His performance in the last match against Ipswich Town drew heavy scrutiny, with many believing he was at fault for key defensive errors that cost the Black Cats valuable points.
Now, with a vital game against Hull City looming, fans are urging Le Bris to make a bold decision and give one of Sunderland’s promising youngsters a chance to shine. One name that has repeatedly been mentioned by supporters is Chris Rigg, the highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder who has already shown flashes of brilliance when given opportunities this season. However, since Rigg is a central midfielder, some believe that another academy full-back, such as Zak Johnson or Ben Crompton, could step in as a direct replacement for Cirkin.
The demand for change has grown louder on social media, with fans using hashtags like #DropCirkin and #PlayTheKids to push their agenda. One passionate fan wrote on Twitter:
“Dennis Cirkin has been a liability in recent games. We have so much young talent waiting for a chance—why not give them a shot? Hull City is a must-win game, and we need fresh legs in defense.”
Another supporter echoed the sentiment:
“Regis Le Bris needs to stop being stubborn. Cirkin is out of form, and we have talented youngsters ready to step up. Look at Chris Rigg—he’s fearless and deserves more game time!”
Regis Le Bris, who was recently appointed as Sunderland’s manager, now faces a tough decision ahead of the Hull City fixture. Dropping Cirkin could be seen as a major statement of intent, while sticking with him despite fan pressure could backfire if the defender struggles again.
Le Bris has already shown a willingness to integrate young players into the first team, having given opportunities to academy graduates since taking charge. However, whether he will be willing to make a drastic change at left-back remains to be seen.
Sunderland currently sits in a precarious position in the Championship table, with every point crucial in their push for promotion or a playoff spot. With Hull City also fighting for a top-six finish, the upcoming clash is seen as a defining moment in Sunderland’s campaign.
All eyes will now be on Le Bris and his team selection for the match. Will he listen to the fans and make the bold call to drop Cirkin, or will he back his experienced defender to bounce back? The answer will be revealed when Sunderland announce their starting XI before kickoff.
Leave a Reply