Sunderland have recovered in terms of results in recent weeks but the future of the club away from the pitch is still in doubt after Stewart Donald said he would sell the club earlier this month.
It may have appeared to be a bit of a hasty decision given Donald only took over in the summer of 2018, but a perceived lack of investment and a decline in performances led to frustration amongst the fanbase.
The sacking of Jack Ross also seemed to backfire in the early part of Phil Parkinson’s reign, as the current Black Cats boss had, at one point, just two wins from his opening 14 games.
Since then an unbeaten run of seven matches has lifted the north-east outfit back into the playoff spots, but the remainder of the transfer window could be vital to sustaining their promotion bid.
So far targets have been confined to free agents and loan players, with Kyle Lafferty arriving on a free and Bailey Wright on loan, while Greg Docherty is also rumoured to arrive on a temporary basis.
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Takeover talk
As a result, there is an apparent need for further investment from the top, as Donald seems unable to finance a promotion campaign by himself – or a Championship side for that matter.
A £9m loan taken out from American investment group FPP was evidence of that, with the Sunderland owner describing the partnership as beneficial for the club and the north-east.
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He also suggested that Sunderland made a £30m profit last year, which puts them in a healthy position to appeal to potential owners, and the Sunday Mirror [19/01], as reported by Sporting Life, suggest that the American group are in “pole position to take over”.
That is very encouraging news for supporters, as billionaires Glenn Fuhrman, John Phelan and Michael Dell are involved with FPP, while Michael Platek’s estimated worth is unknown.
As a result, a takeover could provide the Wearside outfit with tremendous resources and allow them to plot a route back to the Premier League.
If that is Donald’s legacy then it will be one he should be proud of, and Black Cats fans could come to appreciate his tenure even if there have been setbacks and calls for protests against his ownership.
Until then, the owner should look to back Parkinson in any way that he can. Making a statement signing now would provide everyone at the club with an extra boost, and one that could set them on the way to regain their Championship status.
Elsewhere, Keith Downie has revealed a big development in one potential transfer dealing.