Sunderland Echo

Sunderland's League One rivals subject of takeover interest

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One of Sunderland’s League One rivals are the subject of takeover interest from one of Britain’s richest families - according to reports.

The Sun claim that Wigan Athletic, who remain under the control of administra­tors after a tumultuous summer, are being eyed by Jonathan Rowland.

A city banker, Rowland is the son of David – who features on the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated worth of around £600million.

Rowland is understood to be providing the cash for Ray Ranson and former Wigan chairman Darren Royle’s bid to take control of the club.

But the trio are having to play a waiting game with a Spanish bid still currently the front-runner – and is backed by the administra­tors.

However, Rowland, Ranson and Royle have reportedly held talks with the administra­tor sands upporters groups as they eye a late deal.

Meanwhile, Oxford United boss Karl Robinson has slammed his substitute­s after his side fell to defeat against local rivals Swindon Town on Saturday.

The U’s were leading 1-0 before a late collapse saw John Sheridan’ s side take the three points – with Robinson hitting out at his reinforcem­ents for failing to make a positive impact.

"The substituti­ons made no impact,” said Robinson.

"I think we went backwards. I can’ t protect my players. You make changes to make your team better and I think ours made our team worse.

"The goal at the end is just disgusting."

“We put on Dan Ag yei who played wonderfull­y well on Tuesday, Mark Sykes who everyone tells me is a very good player with loads of energy and they let people run past them.

"We put Mide on and I don’t see what he’s given us.

"Maybe I’m being a bit individual in my criticism and there were some aspects of our game where we were very rugged. I don’t understand why we played 20 or 30 yards deeper.

"When they go with the big guy up front the only way you can defend that is by keeping your line high. They’ve got nothing to lose in the last 15 minutes.”

Defeat leaves Oxford sat 19th in League One – despite being tipped for a promotion push prior to the season starting.

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