Takeover hopes, squad overhaul and EFL uncertainty: Transformative summer on the cards at Sunderland on and off the pitch

Tumbling down the divisions, a high turnover of managers, players and staff, two Wembley heartaches plus Ellis Short selling to Stewart Donald and the seemingly endless takeover talk since.

Sunderland fans hope for positive news on that front this summer with Donald’s stock very low among the SAFC fanbase, especially following the recent questions over the £20.5million parachute payment ‘write-off’ controversy.

It’s rarely dull, that is for sure.

And this summer could yet prove to be one of the most transformative in the club’s history.

Charlie Methven had originally said the club could be sold in May, that always seemed hopeful and the coronavirus pandemic has slowed the process down further.

Interested parties waiting to see the full impact of the suspension of football and when fans will be allowed back into stadiums, not to mention whether Donald’s asking price will change if Sunderland remain in League One.

The company set-up as the vehicle to buy Sunderland, Madrox, recently told the Echo: “The asking price is private but flexible within reason.

“It has been met numerous times, however the virus and a lack of ability from some bidders to provide comfort around where the funds are coming from and on what terms has contributed to a longer process.”

For Sunderland fans, the wait goes on.

This summer will be transformative on and off the pitch.

After 11 weeks of no football, clubs, managers, staff and players have been in limbo, the EFL clubs will finally vote on whether to resume or curtail on Monday, June 8.

It is difficult to see there being enough votes to resume. At least there will soon be clarity on which division Sunderland will be in next year.

Sunderland’s season is all but over, any play-off hopes seemingly dashed following a four-game winless run before the suspension and a poor run of form earlier in the season.

If the league is decided on points-per-game, Sunderland won't be involved in the play-offs.

This hasn’t felt like a promotion campaign, it has been stop-start throughout, following the calamity of last summer and the previous failed takeover bids.

Sunderland had to complete their transfer business from a standing start.

An average start led to Jack Ross losing his job, Phil Parkinson didn’t fare much better in his first few months but did turn the tide after Christmas but in truth the damage had already been done.

The 2019-20 campaign has been disastrous, truth be told, and there aren’t many fans who think Sunderland are worthy of promotion.

So what comes next?

Uncertainty reigns in the world and the world of football is no different.

There will at least be some clarity soon on the 2019-20 campaign but there is no indication yet of when next season will start or when fans will be allowed back inside stadiums.

The impact on club’s income across the EFL is a major concern; season ticket revenue, matchday income, commercial and hospitality will all suffer, sponsorship too.

Player wages will likely see a big drop. Sunderland, who released Tommy Smith on Friday, have 11 other players soon-to-be out of contract.

Some big names will leave, Blackburn Rovers target Jon McLaughlin is a wanted man. The squad, two years after dropping into the third tier, will need another overhaul. More change.

A third season in the third tier beckons for Sunderland and it’s a good job the fanbase are used to change in recent years as this summer looks to be no different, indeed it could see some of the biggest changes yet.