Takeover is positive and pending, says Sunderland coach Johnson
Lee Johnson is confident the Sunderland takeover will go through, with fans having to be patient.
Sunderland are currently in the process of a takeover, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus set to take charge as majority shareholder this month, subject to the owners’ and directors’ tests being concluded by the EFL.
That process has been ongoing for around a month now, but it is hoped the takeover will be concluded before February.
The 23-year-old has agreed a deal with Stewart Donald to purchase his majority shareholding, and will become chairman.
Sunderland’s head coach Johnson says the takeover remains ongoing, and he doesn’t anticipate any problems.
“As you were, still positive and pending,” he said.
“Nothing I have heard or any conversations would say it won’t happen, I truly believe it will happen.
“It has been interesting to watch other clubs, the Wigan (Athletic) one fall away and the rumours around the Derby (County) one.
“I think we are very strong in terms of what we are trying to do. If we get the new ownership, it takes the course on a different path.
“Internally we are still driving to do everything we can on a short-term and long-term basis.”
Meanwhile, former Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy was set to be named Cardiff City’s new manager this weekend, it is being reported.
On Thursday, the Championship club announced Neil Harris had been sacked following a poor run of form.
And now it appears the former Sunderland boss is in line for a return to management.
WalesOnline report: “The club have moved quickly to appoint Harris' successor, though, with the announcement of McCarthy expected either on Friday night or Saturday.
“It is understood there were a number of candidates who have applied and been contacted following Harris' departure, but City have landed on McCarthy, who most recently managed Cypriot side APOEL before leaving earlier this month.”
McCarthy – who is 61 – was sacked by Cypriot side APOEL earlier this month – just two months after taking the job.