We've been crying out for Sunderland supporters to be involved in the club ... ... now we have two! This is the first positive thing to happen since the Americans became incolved abd stems from the recent board meeting. From what I've been told Jones was wanted, way back, but can't tolerate Methven ... the 'staffing issues' I mentioned in September. This could be a positive, and significant, change for the club. https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2019/december/safc-appoints-two-non-executive-directors Sunderland AFC is to welcome two new non-executive directors to the club. David Jones, presenter of Sky Sports flagship Super Sunday and Monday Night Football programmes and Tom Sloanes, commercial director (Exchange) at GVC Group, one of the world’s largest sports-betting and gaming groups, will join following EFL approval. David, as well as his high-profile role at Sky Sports, was previously a director at Oxford United for three years. Tom has worked closely with Sunderland AFC for the last two years in his senior role with the club’s principal partner BETDAQ and brings with him many years of top-level commercial experience. Speaking about the appointments, chairman Stewart Donald said: “We warmly welcome David and Tom to the club. As lifelong Sunderland fans, they share a tremendous passion for the football club and bring with them a wealth of football knowledge and commercial experience.”
Great move, but I'm sure that some (Probably Bri) will call this... "David, as well as his high-profile role at Sky Sports, was previously a director at Oxford United for three years." Jobs for the boys
Jones was wanted months ago but he can't abide Methven. Both of them are much more professional and commercially able than Methven. I said in September that Methven was the 'staffing issue' and that the Americans wanted local people involved in the club. Good news for me
That was the plan and I'd like to see it ... ... 3 proper Sunderland supporters on board would be massive, especially as they're all financially astute.
I cant and don't see a problem with this, the more fans we have on the board the better, The astuteness and business acumen along with their contacts is also a huge plus. As DJ said in his podcast with RR Sunderland are one of the most watched teams on Sky in the world.
Absolutely mate, totally agree. I believe this will mean Donald is 'controlled' to a degree. I just hope 2020 gets off to a good start with either good signings or a new manager. We've lost all momentum but it would soon pick up, we're good supporters in that respect.
The lad from Sky Sports and some betting exec https://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2019/december/safc-appoints-two-non-executive-directors
Unless the present manager is sacked and the new one has the chance to bring in a couple of strikers ( several of the current playing staff need to be let go) the downward spiral will continue
Surely there are bigger issues at the club than appointing two lads' fans to the board who won't even be involved in the day to day running of the club?
At least it means that people who have a life-long affinity with the club will have a bit more representation at boardroom level. You're right though, there are bigger issues, and it's unlikely to have a massive impact. A step in the right direction though.
Don't suppose there were 2 Tom Sloanes in their fifties now, who used to play for Sunderland boys U11's. In which case, I played in the same team. If it was him, he was a canny lad. Delighted for him.
Maybe but it's not like they've been waiting for this to happen before they start on something else. It's a(small) move in the right direction and I fear that you'll be waiting a while if you want to see the back of PP. In fact, if the "churn" of managers at the club is seen by the new lads as part of the problem, it is now less likely.
