The saga of William Storey and his proposed takeover of Sunderland continues. For several weeks, the founder of Rich Energy has insisted via Twitter that he and his backers are trying to buy the League One club. He has also appeared on local radio in a bid to convince the city of Sunderland.
The last anyone heard from Sunderland’s current owner, Stewart Donald, was at the end of July where he advised that the club had entered a ‘period of exclusivity’ with a preferred bidder. It had been hoped that the sale would be completed by the start of the season; however, two weeks in, fans are still in the dark as to what is happening with the club, unless they believe what William Storey is saying.
William Storey and His Sunderland Takeover Bid Continues
Former Formula One team sponsor Storey continues to insist that he has made the best bid for the club. His most recent tweet indicated that he and his team are working hard to complete a deal. As the club is still in a period of exclusivity, fans are understandably wary about whether Storey’s claims are indeed true.
To update on #Sunderland. The board of the club are conducting a professional sale process. We are working hard to conclude a deal respecting the parameters set. I remain confident of getting deal done & appreciate the support of many senior figures past & present.#SAFC #EFL pic.twitter.com/7KPIQy80zZ
— William Storey (@richenergyceo) September 21, 2020
William Storey Has Been Vocal on Social and Local Media
Drinks tycoon Storey has been very vocal of his desire to take control of Sunderland. He has posted pictures of himself outside of the Stadium of Light in a Sunderland shirt and along the coastline of the city. Storey was also interviewed on the local radio station, BBC Radio Newcastle, where he again expressed his eagerness to take over the club and return them to the Premier League.
Increased Scrutiny Over Storey’s Business Background
Due to how vocal Storey has been in his pursuit of Sunderland, and the rumours in the local press that he is not seen as a credible buyer, the scrutiny over whether he could actually fund a takeover of a football club has intensified amongst fans.
Storey’s last venture into the world of sport did nothing for his reputation or the sport of Formula One. His ill-fated time in motorsport began with an attempt to buy the Force India team. His bid was dismissed. Storey followed this up with a sponsorship deal of the Haas F1 team. The sponsorship lasted less than a year before Storey and Rich Energy pulled out the multi-million-pound deal.
The William Storey Saga Needs to End Soon, One Way or Another
Fans, management, and players will be hoping this continuing saga ends sooner rather than later. The club are currently stuck in League One and, with Stewart Donald wanting out, a new owner or owners is vital for the club to move forward. Sunderland are desperate to start their climb back to the Premier League and stability at the top is vital. The six-time English champions are now into their third successive League One season and want out as soon as possible.
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