What resignation means for club
Micky Gray says the financial figures he has received from Sunderland are ‘astronomical’ – as he continues his efforts to broker a deal to buy the club.
The academy graduate is one of a number of parties keeping a close eye on developments at the Stadium
of Light as Stewart Donald looks to sell the club, with Gray having brought consortiums to the club twice previously.
And having been contacted by the club, via director Neil Fox, earlier this
week, Gray is now in possession of a number of key figures which will allow him to enter more detailed discussions with his backers.
But the 45-year-old is under no illusion as to the financial firepower that is required.
"I'm working very, very hard in trying to get some investors,” said Gray, speaking to talkSPORT.
"I've made conversations with some people who are willing to take the club on, but for the right reasons.
"I've spoken to Sunderland a couple of times - not Stewart Donald initially.
"I spoke to his right-hand man Neil Fox - and I've been given the figures.
"They're astronomical at the moment, I've got to admit.
“If anybody thinks that somebody is going to walk into Sunderland and pay £35million for the football club - which does actually buy you the training ground, the stadium, the whole lot they have to realise, and I'm hoping this is going to happen, is that you're going to need another £35million on top of that.
“You've got salaries to pay for, you've got new players to come in, you've got the running of the club, you've got to find out when supporters will be coming back into the stadium.
"This is going to be a long, thought out process.”
Gray also reiterated that he is not involved in the financial side of any potential deal, and is just trying to find the ‘right people’ for Sunderland.
"I'm not involved in any figures whatsoever.
“I'm just telling them about the city, what goes on in the city, how passionate the supporters are, what football means to Sunderland and the loyal supporters.
“It's my home club and I just want the right people to go in the football club.”