According to Chronicle Live‘s Sunderland correspondent James Hunter, Charlie Methven has provided an update surrounding a prospective takeover bid.
The article suggests that the Black Cats could be subject to new ownership as soon as the end of May.
Owner Stewart Donald responded to a statement from fans calling for him to sell in recent months, agreeing to look for a buyer.
Do you believe the club will be sold before June?
Yes
No
However, since then, there have been many times that a takeover has been reported as imminent, despite nothing coming to fruition.
Because of this, these Sunderland fans are distrustful of Methven, and are unwilling to believe his latest claim. Here is a collection of some Sunderland fans’ responses to James Hunter after he shared his article.
https://twitter.com/david6790247/status/1244230815749492737
Don’t believe a word he says..
— Dave (@Dave41safc) March 29, 2020
Who on earth would complete a takeover and the running costs that come with it while the games suspended
— Paul ‘boo’ Scott (@theboovont) March 29, 2020
What happened to a takeover being done by the end of February?
— Adam Lowden (@AdamLowdenO2) March 29, 2020
Must be season ticket renewal time!!!
— alan hall SAFC (@alanhall4) March 29, 2020
give up taking much notice of what the two of them say in all honesty
— Dean Cummings (@Deanospamoni85) March 29, 2020
I thought it was end of Feb?
Hmmm….Call me crazy, but I’m beginning to think we should take everything Charlie says with a pinch of salt…?— Guy Incognito (@_GuyIncognito__) March 29, 2020
What do we think?
Methven has stated that he doesn’t think the recent global pandemic will affect his ability to find a new buyer for the club. He also ensured fans that anyone purchasing the club would be doing so with an intention of maintaining ownership of the club for the foreseeable future.
However, it doesn’t look Methven has the trust of these Sunderland supporters as the future ownership of the club remains in the balance.