Sunderland CEO Rodwell linked with switch to EFL
Jim Rodwell is reportedly wanted by the EFL to become their new chief executive.
Ac c o rd i n g to The Daily Mail, Sunderland’s CEO is wanted to replace Dave Baldwin, who recently announced his intention to step down from the role.
Rodwell has close ties with the EFL, having served as a director during his time at Scunthorpe United.
He has recently been a vocal supporter of chairman Rick Parry’s attempts to secure a bailout for the EFL clubs, which finally reached a resolution last week when an agreement with the Premier League was concluded.
Rodwell’s future on Wearside is unclear, with talks over a potential change in the majority ownership continuing and believed to be near a resolution.
He has played a part in the recent changes at the club, with Kristjaan Speakman appointed sporting director and Lee Johnson appointed head coach.
This restructuring of the footballing operation is understood to be closely associated with the potential change in ownership likely in the weeks ahead.
A statement confirming Speakman’s arrival hinted at a future role for Rodwell, saying: “Working alongside chief executive officer Jim Rodwell, he [Speakman] will also take primary responsibility for reviewing and implementing new strategies to develop the club’s footballing infrastructure, with an emphasis on data analytics and innovation, and providing a clear pathway from the younger age groups to the first team.”
Supporter group the Red and White Army has continued to call for clarity on the potential change of ownership at the club.
A consortium led by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori is set to assume the majority shareholding from Stewart Donald, but the precise breakdown of shareholding remains unknown.
Rodwell had postponed a planned meeting with the group last month, citing the progression of those takeover talks.
After the Black Cats fell to a 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon, the fans’ group tweeted: “Mid table in our third season in League.
"M a ny s u p p o r t e r s a re very concerned about the prospect of any of the current owners continuing to have a say in how the club is run should the mooted new ow n e r s h i p a r ra n ge m e nt transpire. They are right to be concerned.”
Speaking after the game, Jo h n s o n s a i d h e wa s i mpressed with the vision he had been shown by the ‘ownership group’ during talks over his potential appointm e nt , a n d s at i s f i e d w i t h what he had been told about the state of play behind the scenes.
"It's not so much about the takeover, it's about where the powerbase is,” he said.
"Who is the decision mak
er, who are the influencers? It's not disingenuous but you don't want to waste time articulating your point with people who might have a different view. You've got
to make sure you're aligned from top to bottom.
"I understand exactly what the fans will be thinking, what's going on? Is there new ownership coming in?
Will the old owners support the head coa ch? Is he clear on his role? I'm here to be as honest as possible with the fans, to drive it forward and to try and deliver success.”