On Monday it emerged that Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has decided to sell the club. Fans groups have called for Donald to step aside after the club slipped to its lowest ever position in the Football League. Black Cats fans have endured a torrid time over the past several seasons with many uncertainties surrounding their club. Now, there will be more uncertainty for Sunderland fans. Not just on the pitch with the January transfer window looming but also off it.
More Uncertainty For Sunderland Fans as Stewart Donald Decides to Sell the Club
On the Field Uncertainty
The Black Cats failed to win promotion last season after the last kick of the play-off final consigned the club to another season in League One. Fans expected their team to launch an impressive promotion campaign. Owners were suggesting a 100 point season was a real possibility. A lack of investment during the summer had fans concerned. However, on paper, Sunderland had a squad that was more than capable of securing promotion.
After several poor performances and results, manager Jack Ross was sacked. Experienced League One manager Phil Parkinson took over. Results and performances did not improve. They got worse. The Black Cats slipped to their lowest ever position. Fans began calling for Parkinson to leave; however, after a win at Doncaster Rovers, Parkinson will remain in charge for the foreseeable future, including the vital January transfer window.
Sunderland are in desperate need of reinforcements on the pitch. Their victory at Doncaster was their first since November 2nd. Although it was a good performance and result, it only reflected the fact that Parkinson needs to add to his first-team squad.
The situation off the field could now hinder attempts to bring in new players. With Stewart Donald looking to sell, it is unlikely that he will part with the funds to improve the squad. Parkinson, therefore, may have to do with loan signings and free transfers should the quality be available and the funds available.
Off the Field Uncertainty
The timing of Stewart Donald’s decision to sell the club could not have come at a worse time. He has taken on board the advice of some fans groups and taken the decision to step aside at the earliest opportunity. The #DonaldOut campaign exploded onto social media and in the press after a disappointing draw at home to Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Several fans groups issued a joint statement, asking for Donald to sell the club so that change can happen not only at boardroom level, but on the pitch and in the dugout too. The decision from Donald to seek a buyer could be the right choice in the long term; however, in the short term, it creates uncertainty throughout the club.
Fans have called for current manager Phil Parkinson to be replaced. This is unlikely to happen until the ownership of the club has been decided upon. Even then, some fans may not get their wish. Funds for new players will be sparse if there is any at all.
No deal to buy the club has been agreed and until it does so, Stewart Donald will remain the owner. Even when a buyer has been sought, the time it will take to complete the deal, should the relevant authorities give the deal the green light, could be weeks and even months.
Sale Must be Completed Soon
Sunderland fans are used to uncertainty surrounding the club. Be it a change in ownership, manager or players. This time, the Black Cats are not in the Premier League, Championship or even attractive League One newcomers. Sunderland are currently a mid-table League One side. Attracting players, managers and new owners will not be as easy as it once was. Fans will be hoping the sale is completed quickly and to a buyer who will do their utmost to get this famous club back into the Championship and then the Premier League. Should the for sale sign be up for too long, uncertainty surrounding the club will not only grow but the club could find themselves playing League One football for some time to come.
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