COLEMAN: I’VE NEVER EVEN SPOKEN TO ELLIS SHORT
SUNDERLAND’S AMERICAN OWNER A MAN OF MYSTERY TO CATS’ BOSS
Manager Chris Coleman has revealed he has never spoken to Sunderland owner Ellis Short, who is looking to sell the club.
Amid fresh reports Short is prepared to give Sunderland away for ‘free’ if a new owner is willing to take on the club’s huge debts, Coleman has revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Short despite being in charge for three months.
Short is now based in the USA, with chief executive Martin Bain in day-today charge of running Sunderland.
The club was valued at upwards of £80million last summerbutthepricetaghad been slashed to £50million with the club struggling for Championship survival.
Now BBC Sport report Short is willing to give the club away for nothing – provided the new owners take on the huge debt.
The last set of accounts, up to July 2016, showed the gross debt was £137million.
Ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough tomorrow, Coleman was asked about the club being up for sale but revealed he didn’t have any information as he doesn’t speak with Short.
“Again, I have never spoke with the chairman. I have been here three months. I have never had a conversation with the chairman,” said Coleman.
“I have no idea about the price. I have no idea who, if there is someone, I have seen reports that there is people interested but I can’t say to you it is close or it is this or that, I have never spoke to the chairman.
“It is tough. I have seen the reports. I have said what I have said. I couldn’t tell you anymore than that to be honest with you.”
Around half the debt, £69million, is to Short himself and BBC Sport claim the billionaire may forgo some or all of that figure as part of a deal.
The balance of £68million is owed to Security Bank Corporation. There are significant annual interest payments too.
Sunderland are not commenting on the reports. The next set of accounts, with the latest debt level, are due to be published in April.
It was a major coup when Sunderland landed Coleman as manager to replace Simon
Grayson, sacked at the end of October with the Black Cats in the relegation zone.
Coleman has been unable to inspire a turnaround since taking charge with cash-strapped Sunderland bottom of the Championship, Coleman restricted to loan signings and free agents in January.
Asked whether he could see now why people were surprised he agreed to take charge at Sunderland, Coleman was adamant he had no regrets.
Coleman said: “I am not
sorry I joined Sunderland football club. I always thought my experience here – a year, two or three, however long I am here – would make me better.
“It is super tough now, the situation, of course but it will still make me better.
“I have had to come through hard times, we have been written off, some say we are a hopeless case.
“Fine, good. Let’s see if we can come through that little bit of adversity and prove people wrong. I am more than happy to be here.”