Del was at risk of the axe
From Back Page season, our focus has been to appoint a new manager.
“Recently, however, discussions have been entered into with parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring ownership of the club.
“With this backdrop, we have been unable to give the assurances any potential candidate would need regarding the plans a new owner could have for the manager’s position.
“The recruitment process, while still very much active, cannot therefore be concluded imminently.”
Moyes was sacked after the club lost its Premier League status following a campaign to forget. But Sunderland have moved to provide reassurances to their supporters.
The statement added: “In talking to parties who have shown interest in acquiring the club, owner Ellis Short is determined to make sure that the best interests of Sunderland AFC are at the heart of any decision regarding its future.
“We are of course acutely aware of the need to act swiftly to appoint a manager and to ensure that this is the case, have placed a time limit on discussions regarding a potential sale.
“If discussions are not concluded within our defined time frame, we will terminate the process and move swiftly and positively forward with plans for the new season.”