Kieran Maguire: Things could get ‘toxic’ at Sunderland after Charlie Methven images emerge
Sunderland are in danger of instilling a “toxic” atmosphere if they fail to clarify who truly owns what stake the club.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the ownership structure at the Stadium of Light.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus completed a majority buyout in February last year, but Stewart Donald, Charlie Methven and Juan Sartori still own small stakes.
As relayed by the Sunderland Echo on Wednesday (9 February), Methven was pictured at the Black Cats’ recent defeat against Cheltenham Town.
The same outlet reported later that day that fan group Red and White Army will demand full disclosure at an imminent meeting with Louis-Dreyfus.
Maguire predicts that things could get ugly if the fans are not given clarity over the ownership structure very soon.
“I think the club haven’t disclosed the information because they feel uncomfortable,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“They don’t want the fans to find out the exact nature of the relationship between Louis-Dreyfus, Charlie Methven and Stewart Donald.
“Why would Methven, who is not a Sunderland fan, still be there unless he had some form of relationship with the club?
“I think Sunderland are in danger of returning to a toxic relationship between the club and the fans.
“The takeover by Louis-Dreyfus was supposed to lance that particular boil. Losing a few matches doesn’t help too, of course.”
Sunderland have officially confirmed the appointment of Alex Neil after they dismissed Lee Johnson earlier this month.
The Black Cats are currently 4th in League One.
In other news, Kevin Phillips issues “massive” Danny Batth claim after injury update.