Finance guru: Sunderland may not be free of Madrox for another two years after CEO claim
Madrox may not sell their remaining shares in Sunderland until they reach the Premier League – and that would take at least two seasons.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Black Cats’ ownership structure.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus purchased what was thought to be a majority stake in Sunderland in February last year, taking over from the Madrox regime.
But it has since emerged that Stewart Donald, Charlie Methven and Juan Sartori still collectively own 59 per cent of the club’s equity.
CEO Steve Davison claims he is optimistic that a deal can be reached with Madrox for their shares, per the Shields Gazette last Friday (18 February).
But Plumley argues that they may well wait until the League One side win promotion to the top flight before they flip their stake for a huge profit.
“It makes sense that they are keeping shares,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Every owner has got their motives as to why they want to invest and when they ultimately want to sell.
“You only have to look at the crowds and infrastructure at Sunderland to see the appeal and growth potential there.
“If you’re an owner who is gearing up for a bigger sale further down the line, you can see why they wouldn’t want to sell up yet.
“You’d look to stay involved at least until you’re in the Championship or potentially even the Premier League.”
Sunderland have not won in five and are down to 7th in League One.
Alex Neil’s side are in action against Burton Albion tonight (22 February).
In other news, Kevin Phillips issues “100 per cent” Sunderland claim after chairman’s Jonson Clarke-Harris reveal.