Sunderland non-executive director praises David Bruce after Sheffield Wednesday appointment and takeover

Leo Pearlman has praised David Bruce following his appointment at Sheffield Wednesday, while also reacting to the club’s takeover by Arise Capital Partners.

Pearlman, who sits on the Sunderland board, posted a message on LinkedIn congratulating Bruce after his move to Hillsborough. Bruce has been confirmed as Wednesday’s new CEO after leaving his role as Sunderland’s chief business officer, with his departure from the Stadium of Light announced last month as part of a wider organisational restructure.

Pearlman wrote: “A huge mazeltov to David Bruce on his appointment at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. A proper club with real history, identity & support, & one that couldn’t have made a better appointment. “The play-off semi-final we played against them at Hillsborough remains one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever experienced in football, & that tells you everything about what this club is & what it can be.”

“What David did at Sunderland AFC in reconnecting our club with our city & fans was hugely impressive, rebuilding that bond, restoring pride, & putting supporters back at the heart of the club,” he added. “There are real similarities between Sunderland & Wednesday, proud, working-class cities, deeply rooted clubs, & fanbases that demand authenticity & connection. David understands that better than anyone.”

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“Real credit as well to Arise Capital Partners following their takeover, for making the improvement of fan relations their number one goal,” he wrote. “With that as a priority, they couldn’t have made a better appointment. I’m sure we’ll be seeing both David & Wednesday back where they belong before too long, alongside us in the English Premier League.”

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