League One owner defends Stewart Donald's swoop for Will Grigg - and offers his take on Sunderland 'Til I Die

Sunderland’s pursuit of the Northern Irish international has been brought to prominence by the release of the second series of Sunderland ‘Til I Die, with revealing scenes on deadline day showing Donald’s desperation to land a new striker result in him spending over £3million on Grigg.

And while the 28-year-old has endured a rather torrid start to his time on Wearside – having scored just eight times since arriving at the Stadium of Light – MacAnthony has defended Donald’s decision to sanction a deal.

The Posh owner said he had watched the documentary at home in Flordia, and offered his take on the Grigg saga.

“People are talking about the Will Grigg thing - but look, that sort of thing goes on up and down the country,” he said, speaking on his podcast ‘Football Club Chairman – Hard Truth’.

“There are people who have made mistakes to do with overpaying for players on deadline day. We've probably done it ourselves, there's no perfect science to football.

“I'm not going to criticise anyone at Sunderland for that.”

MacAnthony also added that while he was aware Donald and fellow shareholder Charlie Methven were likely getting ‘hammered’ on social media for their role in show, he respected their decision to allow cameras into the Stadium of Light.

“Obviously the guys who took over Sunderland, they're probably getting hammered for some of the stuff that's in there.

“But you put yourself out there when you put a documentary on and I respect the fact they put themselves out there.

“It's going to be dramatic though and they're probably going to show you at your worst instead of your best.

“Could you imagine me and Barry Fry being filmed on deadline day? Yes it would make golden TV to watch, but at the same time you'd be embarrassed to watch.”