In a recent interview on Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport programme, energy drink tycoon William Storey has claimed that his Sunderland takeover bid is “miles ahead” of anything else. Storey has been very vocal in his desire to take control of the League One club in recent weeks and this has caused fans concern.
Current owner Stewart Donald entered into a period of exclusivity last month with an unnamed bidder. With this being the case, fans are questioning whether Storey is that person.
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William Storey Arrives in Sunderland
On Wednesday, pictures began to circulate of William Storey outside of the Stadium of Light wearing a Sunderland shirt. He then went on to appear on local radio to take questions regarding his desire to take over the Black Cats.
Having a great day in #Sunderland #SAFC #RokerRoar #Football pic.twitter.com/xbVnWIcTMG
— William Storey (@richenergyceo) August 12, 2020
William Storey Praises Fans and Club
On Wednesday evening, Storey appeared on the Total Sport radio programme. He began by praising the club and their supporters:
“I’m a massive football fan and there’s no question that, for anyone who knows about football, Sunderland is ones of the biggest clubs in Europe, never mind the UK.
“They have won the league six times, they have one of the most passionate and knowledgeable fanbases in the game, they have a phenomenal area that has been a conveyor-belt for talent over the last few decades, and it is a club with enormous prestige.
“With the right plan, people, and funding, they have almost unlimited potential and there are very, very few clubs that any passionate football fans would get excited about but I think Sunderland are, to say the least, a sleeping giant.”
Backed by Four of Europe’s Biggest
Storey went on to claim that he is being backed in his venture by four of the biggest businessmen in Europe.
“I have put the best bid on the table, I have massive backing from four of the biggest names in Europe, let alone Britain, in terms of business, all of whom you will have heard of.”
Although he could not say who his backers were due to an NDA, Storey added: “I will be (naming them) shortly, but I can’t at the moment because of the NDA, although obviously, the club are aware of those people.
“I have put a bid on the table that I know for a fact is miles ahead of anyone else, I think I have the best plan, the best funding, and the best overall package to take the club forward.”
Period of Exclusivity
Last month, current Sunderland owner Stewart Donald had identified his preferred bidder. However, according to a report in the Sunderland Echo, it was not William Storey.
Storey, who was recently involved in a venture in Formula 1, insists his bid is the best on offer and once the non-disclosure agreement has expired, which he says is “in the hands of lawyers’, he will be able to say a lot more.
Fan Concerns at Sunderland Takeover bid
The fact that it was reported that Storey and his backers were not those identified as a ‘preferred bidder’, has rightfully concerned fans. As have reports of his actual wealth. In 2017, Companies House reported that Storey had just £581 in the bank. His last attempt at being involved in sport has also got many wondering whether he is a suitable person to be taking over the club.
Storey and his company Rich Energy were a part of an ill-fated sponsorship deal with Formula One team, Haas. The deal was for £60 million per season; however, the deal lasted just six months.
Whether or not William Storey’s interest is legitimate and in the club’s best interests remains to be seen. As always at Sunderland, the summer will be an interesting one that could involve many twists and turns before an outcome is completed.
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