Director says he carries on as normal – and would like to stay
DavidJonessaysStewartDonald’s attempts to sell Sunderland will not affect his work as a non-executive director, and believes the completion of a deal would not necessarily lead to his departure.
Jones joined the board last month following the departures of Charlie Methven and Tony Davison.
A Black Cats fan, Jones is eagertomakeasignificantimpactastheclubtriestobounce back from a difficult period, and says any potential new owner would judge him on the work he does in the coming weeks and months.
“I don't have a great, long history with Stewart,” Jones told BBC Newcastle.
“I reached out when he becameChairmanatSunderland becauseIknewofhimfrommy time at Oxford United.
“[So] whether he stays or goes doesn't affect whether I wanttobeinvolvedattheclub, because it's my club.
“It was a very easy decision to say yes to [the offer]. It was a club in crisis, we're not out of the waters yet by any stretch but I'd like to think we'vehitrockbottomandnow the only way is up, by making good decisions and following best practice in all areas.
“For that, you need to employthebestpeopleacrossthe board,youneedtobefunctioning properly, you need systems in place.
“You need to plan ahead which you can only do with the right working practices andformefootballisallabout being one step ahead.
“No department is more important for that than recruitment.
“It doesn’t affect my position as far as I’m concerned,” he added.
“When I was at Oxford, working for Darryl Eales, the clubwasboughtbyaThaiconsortium led by a guy called Tiger.
“He wanted me to stay on, but I decided it was probably the right time for me to step away from that.
“It will depend entirely on whobuystheclub,ifandwhen that happens, and whether they want me around.
"I suppose I would say that they would have to judge me on the work that I do between now and then and the influence that I have been able to have."
*Arsenal striker PierreEmerick Aubameyang's red card for violent conduct at Crystal Palace has been upheld. He saw red after catching Max Meyer high on the ankle with a poor challenge by the touchline.