Jim Rodwell reacts after being appointed as Sunderland's new CEO

Jim Rodwell is set to join the club from Scunthorpe United, where has been doing the same role for five years.

A former professional footballer, Rodwell began his post-playing career at Boston United, initially as Director of Football and then as Chairman.

He then joined Notts County as Chairman before moving to Glanford Park.

He joins with Sunderland saying that a CEO is important to ensuring the club can enjoy long-term success in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

The appointment will also bolster the club’s board after the departures of Tony Davison and Charlie Methven earlier this season.

David Jones and Tom Sloanes were subsequently appointed as non-executive directors, but Rodwell will be tasked with the responsibility of guiding the club forward on a day-to-day basis.

“I'm honoured and delighted to be joining a club of the stature and pedigree of Sunderland AFC,” Rodwell said.

“From my very first meeting with the Chairman, I was sold on his enthusiasm and passion for the club.

“I'll be counting down the days until I can get started at the stadium and academy to do all I can to drive this great club forward. I would also like to pay thanks to the Swann family for the last five years and for being so understanding in allowing me to join SAFC.”

Sunderland have said that the appointment does not mean the club is no longer for sale.

Donald has previously suggested that he believes the current crisis could make it ‘easier’ for the Black Cats to compete under his ownership, with stricter cost controls and a downward pressure on wages expected.

He has insisted that he nevertheless intends to stay, but would like to retain a minor stake in the club.

“I think the deal would probably have got done for the what would have been the end of the normal season,” Donald recently told talkSPORT.

“The people that we’re talking to, and there are still a couple of groups involved there, are I think pausing for breath to see how the virus and things pans out.”