Chairman exit is no more than a symbolic gesture

STEWART Donald has stepped down as Sunderland chairman – it’s a statement that sounds grandiose, but in reality it’s little more than a symbolic gesture.

In appointing Jim Rodwell as the club’s new CEO earlier this year, Donald had already taken a step back from his role as head of the Black Cats board in all but title.

His ownership of the club has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, not helped by the absence of any football on the pitch to provide a distraction. Instead, as Sunderland start to look ahead and plan towards their third attempt of exiting League One next season, it was clear that Donald himself was a distraction that had to be removed.

Completely? No. He remains principal owner, and will do until he can find a buyer willing to pay his inflated asking price.

But particularly after Thursday’s disastrous attempts at building bridges during a meeting with collective supporters’ groups, it was increasingly clear that the mood at the Stadium of Light was unlikely to improve while Donald remained. Make no mistake, Sunderland fans are not stupid.

This announcement comes as the deadline for season card renewals approaches, with sales massively down, largely due to the mistrust that’s grown from fans towards the owner.

They know he’s still ultimately at the head of the club.

But what it does mean, for those still at the club at least, is that they can start to look ahead and move forward free of that distraction hanging over them.

Donald’s resignation came with the promise to continue funding the club.

On Thursday financial director Neil Fox shared his belief that if any extra funds were needed, Donald would be forthcoming.

And while the club might be in a bit of a mess off the pitch, there’s actually reason to be optimistic about things on the pitch in the build-up to next season.

As well as Donald’s departure this weekend, Friday night also saw key recruitment figures Richard Hill and Tony Coton depart.

Recruitment has been a major flaw at Sunderland for many a year, but their departures along with Donald’s could