Rodwell insists Black Cats not in the same trouble as the Latics

JIM Rodwell has quashed rumours that Sunderland could be put into administration, insisting that owner Stewart Donald continues to honour his financial obligations to the club.

Speculation about Sunderland’s position took hold on social media amid talk that the club was preparing to make a major announcement.

While the club did write to staff informing them that they would remain on furlough until the end of August, and that their pay would no longer be topped up to 100 percent, the only public announcement saw the club confirm the departure of academy manager Paul Reid.

However with Championship side Wigan Athletic placed into administration without warning yesterday, Sunderland fans remained concerned about the fate of their club.

But chief executive Rodwell (right) has denied the club is in danger of following the Latics into administration.

“Wigan is a cautionary tale, that is what can happen and they will not be the last,” said Rodwell. “We are simply not in that position.

“It’s a difficult period, it’s going to be a bumpy ride, we have got to be mindful of the cash at our disposal. “I think Wigan will be one of several [clubs who go into administration], that’s my feeling. “But we are not one. “The chairman is honouring all his obligations but we are nevertheless in a very difficult situation.”

Donald bought the club two years ago, with up to £25m of the club’s own parachute payments used to purchase the club from Ellis Short.

He and business partners Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven, through their company Madrox, repaid part of that, and say they will repay the rest.

Rodwell said: “The money that Madrox have committed to put back into the football club is getting put back in quicker [than planned]. They understand their obligations.”