Stewart Donald set to return to the public eye at Sunderland

Donald has been absent from the Stadium of Light in recent weeks, but has been working behind the scenes on a number of club issues while spending time with his young family.

And he is now set to return to Wearside and watch Phil Parkinson’s side take on the Brewers on Tuesday evening and is set to take part in club events moving forward.

Executive director Charlie Methven confirmed his return at a club talk-in last week, while also explaining why Donald had taken a step back from public duties.

“Stewart got to the point about a month ago where Sunderland had been taking up an awful lot of his time and emotional energy,” he said.

“He needed a month to regather himself and regather his energy.

“He’s coming up for the game on Tuesday and he’ll be doing a few events in the future.”

The talk-in headlined by Methven was originally supposed to feature Donald himself - but he was later replaced by his fellow shareholder and club legend Kevin Ball.

And Ball himself claimed he understood why the club’s chairman had decided to take a brief break from Wearside - but is delighted to see him returning to the public eye.

“Our football club can take over your life,” admitted Ball.

“It was something that I spoke with Stewart about when he came to the club, and Charlie, and I think it got to a point where he felt he needed a break.

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing to be honest with you. Sometimes to step back is good, but what is important is to make sure your family is okay.

“He’s our main man, our leader, our chairman and I personally would love to see him at the stadium - and I’m sure once this sabbatical is out the way he’ll be back.

“I understand why he’s having this break.”