Bain is making right noises

You may not like what he’s saying, but at least Martin Bain is talking.

Sunderland’s chief executive has gone on the record to outline the club’s financial situation and answer some of the concerns of the fans. And make no mistake about it, the fans are concerned.

They want to know what’s happened to the £30million the club pocketed with the sale Jordan Pickford and, in particular, they want to know what’s going to be done to bring back the glory days to the Stadium of Light.

Certainly in recent weeks, the silence has served only to fuel speculation that Ellis Short was ‘asset stripping’ ahead of a sale and had no interest in the club or the fans.

A string of poor results has only added to the ire of the supporters and the silence from within the club was as deafening as the boos ringing out after the Sheffield United defeat.

If fans hoped to hear a tub-thumping battle cry from Bain they are going to be sadly disappointed. There is no talk of big signings or promotion promises. What we get is an honest assessment of where the club stands financially and how it is managing its debts and shortfalls.

It makes for bleak reading at times, but if you look hard enough there are positives to be had. Bain has rejected claims that Ellis Short has stopped funding the club, insisting that the owner is determined to fund growth and improvement. He also talks of his belief that the efforts made putting Sunderland on an even keel financially will see results on the pitch “turn in our favour.”

Fans want clarity, and that only comes with open and honest discussion.

Just by talking, Bain is making the right noises. Long may it continue.