Sunderland could reportedly find themselves with new owners in the near future.
Less than a year after buying the club from Ellis Short, Stewart Donald’s time as Sunderland owner could be edging towards a conclusion, with a report from The Sun on Sunday (3/3; page 61) suggesting that the Black Cats are bracing themselves for takeover bids.
Donald has brought a lot of stability to the Stadium of Light, and Jack Ross’s men now have a fantastic chance of making their stay in League One a very brief one, with Sunderland two points off an automatic-promotion spot with a game in hand.
However, it appears that Donald may not be at the helm for too much longer. The Sun on Sunday (3/3; page 61) reports that one group keen on taking over have been to a game and been shown around the club’s facilities.
The report suggests that running the club continues to be an extremely expensive task for the former Eastleigh owner despite the excellent work that he has already done to reduce the club’s wage bill.
Given Short’s tenure, it would be a disappointment if Donald did indeed feel the need to let someone else take over. The contrast in mood at the club between this season and some of the recent campaigns has been remarkable.
But given the way that Donald’s spell has largely gone so far, you get the impression that if he is interested in selling the Black Cats, it is because he feels that another group has a better chance of taking them forward from the foundations that he and his consortium have helped build.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
