Niall Quinn, the former Sunderland chairman, has stepped down as the director of international development at the club, the Black Cats confirmed in a statement.
Quinn was at the club for six years and as chairman it was him who organized the Drumaville consortium which helped Sunderland return to the English premier League. In addition to that Quinn convinced American businessman Ellis Short to take over the club.
Since Short’s take over the club has prospered and after a slump during manager Steve Bruce’s last few months as manager, the Black Cats have once again resurfaced as one of the top teams in the Premier League. However, Quinn leaves Sunderland to concentrate
on his family and personal business interest.
Quinn said in an interview:
“I have had the most amazing six years and it gives me a huge sense of pride to see where Sunderland is today.
Sunderland is in an incredibly fortunate position to have a hugely talented team of people leading the football club right now.”
The former chairman revealed he was proud to have spent six years with the Black Cats and to see them succeed in the Premier League. He admitted the side today was a lot stronger than the one before and that they were extremely lucky to have Martin O’Neill
as manager of the club.
He revealed:
“From a football perspective, securing the services of Martin O'Neill has been an absolute highlight.
In Martin, we have a man that understands the region, the club and the unique place it holds in the lives of its supporters, and I am confident that he will harness the immense passion that exists here and take us to new heights.”
Martin O’Neill took over as manager of the club when Steve Bruce was sacked in the middle of the current season and since his arrival the team has done incredibly well, moving out of the bottom half of the Premier League table. Quinn revealed he wished to
thank the Sunderland fans who had been extremely supportive during his time at the club.
Quinn continued:
“As for the great Sunderland fans, I would like to thank them for the trust they placed in me.”
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