What United said about Black Cats’ new CEO
Scunthorpe United’s Chairman has said that Jim Rodwell ‘can only add value’ to Sunderland AFC.
Rodwell left Glanford Park to join Sunderland after five years of service as CEO.
Scunthorpe have had a difficultcoupleofcampaigns,relegated to League Two last year andsurprisinglystrugglingthis season following the appointment of Paul Hurst.
However, they had twice missed out on promotion to the Championship through the play-offs in previous campaigns. Peter Swann says Rodwell’s ‘football knowledge is second to none’ and stressed the off-pitch difficulties, including the ongoing talks over astadiumredevelopment,that the club had faced during that time. In a statement, he said: “I employed Jim to take us to the Championship and get us ready for our journey into the new stadium, to build a backroom staff that could support this move and hopefully establishourselvesinthesecondtier.
“It was always going to be a challenge and although we didn’t quite make that transition due to circumstances beyond our control off the pitch, we certainly got very close to reaching that second tier of footballonitandJimwasavery important part of that effort.
“His football knowledge is secondtononeandhecanonly addvaluetohisnewemployers at Sunderland AFC.
“On building the backroom office, his direction and support has now given us the opportunity to employ Leanne Mayoastheclub'snewChiefExecutive, stepping up from her roleasChiefOperatingOfficer.
“We want to thank him for representingScunthorpe,both within the club and also on the various football boards over the last five years, wishing him a successful career in football.”