Fresh Sunderland takeover details emerge as Stewart Donald awaits EFL approval plus Wilder wins praise

It comes as new details have emerged about some of those believed to be involved in Stewart Donald’s takeover.

Sunderland are not expected to appoint a new manager until the takeover is ratified by the EFL.

There is no set timescale and it has already been 10 days since Ellis Short agreed a sale with Donald, with Short agreeing to wipe out the debt in the process.

The Echo understands the takeover remains on track and Donald & Co are just awaiting EFL confirmation before pressing ahead with manager plans.

In the past week Donald has registered a new company with Companies House called Madrox Partners Limited.

It is not yet known if this will be the holding company that oversees control of Sunderland AFC but the new company’s nature of business is stated as buying and selling of own real estate, operation of sports facilities, activities of sport clubs and other sports activities.

The formal registration of Madrox Partners Limited cited four directors – Donald, Charlie Methven, Dragon PR Limited and Cornfield Enterprises Limited.

Methven, a PR expert who founded Dragon PR Limited, attended the Wolves game alongside Donald.

Cornfield Enterprises Limited is described as a company involved in “silviculture and other forestry activities”.

Paul Walls is one of the directors at Cornfield Enterprises and he too was present at the Wolves game.

There is also understood to be international investment in the consortium but those details are yet to emerge.

Once EFL approval is ratified, the first point of business will be to appoint a new manager.

Wilder’s highly-publicised frustration at the ownership battle which has blighted the end of Sheffield United’s season has seen him placed as the leading contender, with Leicester City coach Michael Appleton also in the frame.

Should Sunderland make a move for Wilder, Gray believes he could be the man to lead Sunderland back into the big time.

“He’s got the experience of being promoted from that division,” said Gray.

“I think he’ll get the best out of the players. Certainly with the recruitment at the club under the new ownership, it’s pretty rosy if everything goes to plan.”

Gray added: “I think potentially, Sunderland is a massive club and if he could achieve (promotion) in his first season and take us into the Championship, with backing, then there’s no reason why Chris and his side, or my side, can’t go up again.

“That’s what it’s all about, I think you’ve got to get Sunderland and put it step by step, it’s not going to happen overnight.”