Since the end of the season, our focus has been to appoint a new manager. Recently, however, discussions have been entered into with parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring ownership of the club. With this backdrop, we have been unable to give the assurances any potential candidate would need regarding the plans a new owner could have for the manager’s position. The recruitment process, whilst still very much active, cannot therefore be concluded imminently. In talking to parties who have shown interest in acquiring the club, owner Ellis Short is determined to make sure that the best interests of Sunderland AFC are at the heart of any decision regarding its future. We are of course acutely aware of the need to act swiftly to appoint a manager and to ensure that this is the case, have placed a time limit on discussions regarding a potential sale. If discussions are not concluded within our defined timeframe, we will terminate the process and move swiftly and positively forward with plans for the new season. Detailed pre-season preparations are already in place and our aim is to do everything we can to ensure Sunderland’s return to the top flight.
This is starting to feel like we are going to promote from within until we find a buyer. Stockdale, Ball and John O'Shea, could be really possibilities now.
I'd rather this than we were turned down because we're just too **** a proposition. Hope the ultimatum works.
Unless he's willing to sell the club on the cheap, which I doubt he is, I don't think we are really in any positions to be laying down ultimatums.
That did strike me as well but if done in the right way it might work. Short doesn't know football but he knows business better than me or anyone on here.
Exactly I felt underwhelmed and uncomfortable reading the statement but encouraged that Ellis Short and his interests (mainly us) will not be sideswiped and rebuffed - he is no fool in hard business negotiations. Mind, not the football side of things who he has delegated to the wrong people too many times.
Whats the time limit then? No manager, no purchases. We are going to be so far behind everyone as per usual.
That statement is nothing but cover your ass bullshit. PR department thinking they are clever, doing damage control. Bad business all around. Will hardly have a positive effect on the clubs valuation, will it? Short is a complete dumb ass, I've concluded!
Club saying Stockdale will take training when the players come back if there is no manager in place by then.
