SUNDERLAND owner Stewart Donald blamed “abusive” fans for scaring off would-be buyers – but club legend Michael Gray is hoping to save the day.
In an explosive meeting with supporters on Thursday, Donald said he has been forced to step back from running the club because of “negative messages on social media and family intimidation”.
Stewart Donald has blamed Sunderland’s fans for him being unable to sell the clubCredit: Reuters
The Black Cats face a third season in League One after the worst season in the crisis-club’s history.
Donald has set an asking price of £37.6million, the same he paid for the club in 2018.
And ex-England left-back Gray, who made over 350 appearances for the club, is waiting in the wings as part of a consortium.
He tweeted: “All I can say is we are trying our best to come up with a solution to get our club back on track…things important as this takes time…it may or may not happen.”
Donald’s comments were revealed after the club invited a number of supporter groups to an “informal meeting”.
During the conversation, he alleged that “the attitude of the fans is putting off investors”, and that he wants “his family safe at the point of sale.”
It was also claimed that “people were outside of his house following a tweet from a committee member”.
But fellow Stadium of Light favourite Stephen Elliot blasted Donald for blaming supporters.
Ex-Sunderland striker Stephen Elliot blasted Donald for blaming supportersCredit: AP
The ex-Black Cats forward tweeted: “If I was a potential purchaser, surely the biggest pull & selling point would be the passion & love from a huge & unbelievable fan base.
“Can’t believe I’m hearing that fans are being ‘used’ as a reason for failure to sell the club.
“The more statements SD makes the more obvious it seems he’s inadequate to run a club like Sunderland…the last few seasons have deteriorated into a car crash.”
Donald, who made his millions in insurance, first announced he wanted to sell Sunderland in December after pressure from fed-up supporters.
Following nine unhappy years under Texan Ellis Short left them in League One, hope was raised when Donald – who used to own Hampshire non-league side Eastleigh FC – arrived on Wearside.
And while fans were onside early on – captured in Season Two of Netflix hit Sunderland ‘Til I Die – things soon turned sour and Donald said he “had to take some security measures”.
It was revealed that Donald and his holding company used the club’s parachute payments after relegation from the Prem to finance the majority of their buyout.
And while he insists this will be repaid in full before the club is sold, supporters are angry at his near-£40m estimation, which they fear is putting buyers off.
But in an interview with BBC Radio Newcastle, Donald attempted to justify the asking price.
He said: “The price is, as all the bidders have been told, what I paid for it.
“I don’t think I should take a loss on the football club because it is in much better condition.
“I know they want me out, and I am desperately trying to get out.
“The fans have asked me to leave and I am getting a little bit of abuse as I am sure you can imagine.
“My phone number was posted online and I have had to take some security measures.
“The abuse is increasing, they said I was killing the club but I am doing my best – which I appreciate isn’t good enough.”
Sunderland owner Stewart Donald ready to sell Black Cats for £50m with America-based financier interested
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
