SUNDERLAND finally have a head coach in place - now for the other key questions to be answered.

The appointment of Regis Le Bris was confirmed over the weekend, bringing to an end a four month-plus search for Michael Beale's replacement.

So what are the new gaffer's priorities? And what are the key questions that need answering in the coming weeks?

BACKROOM TEAM

The make-up of Le Bris' backroom team at Sunderland isn't yet known.

The 48-year-old is due to officially start work next week so the structure and identity of his coaching team will be expected to quickly fall into place.

It's not yet known when Le Bris will be officially unveiled and speak to the media for the first time, but - if there isn't any official appointments before then - he'd likely make clear his plans for his coaching team in his first press conference.

JACK CLARKE'S FUTURE - AND THEN WHAT?

In talks between Le Bris and Sunderland's hierarchy in recent weeks, the conversation will have undoubtedly turned to Jack Clarke.

Should last season's star man be part of Le Bris' plans for next term? Or is it wise to plan without him? If so, how do the Black Cats intend to replace him? Is the hope that someone already in the building will step up? Or will a winger be recruited?

There's likely to be no swift resolution to the Clarke situation and with the window open until the end of August, there's every chance the matter will still be up in the air come the start of the season.

KEY CONTRACTS

The lengthy process to appoint a head coach resulted in some contract uncertainty, which Sunderland will hope can now be resolved.

Having turned 17 last week, Chris Rigg is now eligible to sign professional terms with the Black Cats.

Despite interest from the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Newcastle United, Rigg is understood to believe his long-term development would be better served by staying with Sunderland and agreed a deal in principle with the Black Cats - but held off putting pen to paper until there was dugout clarity.

Tying Rigg down to a long-term deal would be a big statement from Sunderland - who would then, in an ideal world, come to an extension agreement with Dan Neil as well.

Neil's current contract runs until 2026 but talks over a new deal broke down with the midfielder rejecting the club's opening offer.

Sunderland were said to be calm about the situation but won't want the matter to linger.

STYLES DECISION

A decision is still to be made on the future of Callum Styles.

The midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan from Barnsley and the deadline for Sunderland to make the deal permanent - should they wish - has not yet passed.

Le Bris will now have a say on the future of the 24-year-old, who is currently representing Hungary at the European Championships.

Versatile Styles started 10 games in the second half of the Championship season. But having signed on the back of having appendix surgery, and with Sunderland desperately out of form, it was difficult for Styles to make an impact.

He played most of his football in defence or at wing-back but is used in midfield for Hungary. Strengthening in the middle of the park is a priority for Sunderland this summer.

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BELLINGHAM

Though there is Premier League interest in Jobe Bellingham, Sunderland are in a position of power when it comes to the 18-year-old, who is only a year into a long-term deal at the Stadium of Light.

Bellingham has talked publicly about "falling in love" with Sunderland and will continue his progression as a key figure playing regularly on Wearside. It would take a mega offer to prompt a sale.

The likelihood is Bellingham will still be a Sunderland player next season, but the question is where will he play? Midfield? No.10? Up-front? He was used in all of those roles in his first campaign at the Stadium of Light and showed that he can effective in each. He would, though, surely benefit from a settled role. Mike Dodds previously backed Bellingham to be Sunderland's first choice centre-forward. The teenager will certainly be a major figure for Le Bris but it will be interesting to see how he's used.

THE STRIKER QUESTION

And then, of course, there's the striker question. Will Le Bris get a new No.9 this summer?

It feels like a must, but then Dodds did say at the back end of last season: “I don’t think it’s necessarily a number nine that we need.

"If you look at last year, then you wouldn’t say we had a recognised number nine, but the season was relatively successful in terms of us getting to the play-offs.

“I don’t think the answer is that we have to go out and sign a number nine. I think the answer is that we need more quality in the top area of the pitch."

Despite that claim from Dodds, a striker and more experience needs to be at the top of Sunderland's wishlist - and the Black Cats will look to swiftly crack on with transfer plans now the head coach is in place and the players are preparing to return for the start of pre-season.