Quinn accepts new Sunderland role

Sunderland have announced that Niall Quinn will step down as chairman to undertake a new international development role for the club.

Owner Ellis Short has agreed to step in as chairman so that Quinn can focus on developing Sunderland’s profile and business interests overseas.

“This is a great opportunity for us to make the club stronger and I’m delighted that Ellis has agreed to support the plan,” Quinn told the club’s official website.

“He’ll be a fantastic chairman and taking this role on speaks volumes about his ambition for the club.”

Short said: “I can assure our fans that it’s the same group of people continuing to lead the club.”

“With financial fair play rules coming into effect it is essential for the long-term success of the club that we develop interests on a global scale and there’s no-one better than Niall to sell the ethos of Sunderland to an international audience.”

“He has been keen to drive this change for sometime and I agree that it’s the way forward for us now.”

“Assuming the position of chairman is a great honour and I will treat the role as guardian of this club with the utmost respect.”

Chief executive Margaret Byrne added: “Niall is widely known and hugely respected throughout the world of football.”

“His profile, coupled with his vast knowledge of the game and the business, means he is perfectly placed to bring Sunderland to the forefront internationally.”