There have been a host of claims and milestones since that point and plenty of parties have claimed an interest, although the club have not yet changed hands as we approach December 27 and the one year anniversary of the fan-led call for change.
So what’s happened since the #DonaldOut campaign and where do we stand now? We take a look:
9. July 18th 2020
Donald stands down as Sunderland AFC chairman while confirming his focus remains on finding the right buyer for the club. Photo: Richard Sellers
10. July 24th 2020
Entrepreneur William Storey claims to have made a bid to purchase the club with ‘significant funding from blue-chip backers’. Photo: Bryn Lennon
11. Saturday July 25, 2020
It is revealed that Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has entered a 'period of exclusivity' with a potential buyer as sale talks accelerate. Their identity was not released but it was confirmed to NOT be Mark Campbell or William Storey. Photo: JPI
12. Wednesday November 11, 2020
Sunderland cancel a planned structured dialogue with supporters due to the 'advancement and sensitivity of takeover talks'. Jim Rodwell confirms that the club remain in a period of exclusivity with a preferred bidder. Photo: Clive Brunskill