Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which announces that Jim Rodwell as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Rodwell, who is a former Board Director at the Football Association and the EFL, arrives at Sunderland having spent five years as CEO of Scunthorpe United.
Are you happy with Jim Rodwell's appointment?
Yes
No
In a statement on the Sunderland website, Rodwell stated: “I’m honoured and delighted to be joining a club of the stature and pedigree of Sunderland AFC. From my very first meeting with the Chairman, I was sold on his enthusiasm and passion for the club. I’ll be counting down the days until I can get started at the stadium and academy to do all I can to drive this great club forward.”
In reaction to the announcement, which the official Sunderland account tweeted, fans of the club have flocked to have their say on the matter, with many suggesting that Rodwell’s previous job experience is not well suited to a club the size of Sunderland’s, while others have joked that they thought the person taking the job was former Black Cat Jack Rodwell.
? #SAFC is delighted to announce Jim Rodwell as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
Read the full story… ???
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) April 22, 2020
Owner – Ex Eastleigh (National League)
CEO – Ex Scunthorpe (League 2)
Manager – League 1/2 veteran
Players – Free transfer/loansWhat a time to be a Sunderland fan.
— Phil Browell (@phil_browell) April 22, 2020
I almost read that as Jack Rodwell.
— WM17 (@SAFC1715) April 22, 2020
Why we appointing highly paid CEO’s when most of the clubs staff are on furlough?????
— gav (@gavlad4) April 22, 2020
All staff furloughed so we’ll appoint a CEO with immediate effect, same stamp appointment as Hill & Reid, club had the best squad league one has ever seen last season, we are currently a very average league one squad & will weaken window on window with these clowns!
— Ryan McKenna (@Goggathejogga) April 22, 2020
“Rodwell” pic.twitter.com/D582GOnDyd
— Peter Hewett (@WestSussexSAFC) April 22, 2020
Thought we’d re-signed Jack Rodwell for a second there! ?
— Gavin Moan (@safc_crazy) April 22, 2020
Should be ashamed not delighted!!
— Simon Carr (@simecarr) April 22, 2020
What do we think?
Rodwell’s appointment does come at a strange time, considering that a great deal of the club’s staff, as the fans rightly point out, have been furloughed due to the current viral outbreak, while the club also remains up for sale.
As such, it appears that many of the Sunderland fans are not happy with the new appointment.