What Scunthorpe United have said about Sunderland's new CEO Jim Rodwell

Scunthorpe United’s Chairman has said that Jim Rodwell ‘can only add value’ to Sunderland AFC.
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Rodwell is leaving Glanford Park to join Sunderland after five years of service as CEO.

Scunthorpe have had a difficult couple of campaigns, relegated to League Two last year and surprisingly struggling this season following the appointment of Paul Hurst.

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However, they had twice missed out on promotion to the Championship through the play-offs in previous campaigns.

Sunderland have this morning announced the appointment of a new CEOSunderland have this morning announced the appointment of a new CEO
Sunderland have this morning announced the appointment of a new CEO

Peter Swann says Rodwell’s ‘football knowledge is second to none’ and stressed the off-pitch difficulties, including the ongoing talks over a stadium redevolpment, that the club had faced during that time.

In a statement, he said: “I employed Jim to take us to the Championship and get us ready for our journey into the new stadium, to build a backroom staff that could support this move and hopefully establish ourselves in the second tier.

“It was always going to be a challenge and although we didn’t quite make that transition due to circumstances beyond our control off the pitch, we certainly got very close to reaching that second tier of football on it and Jim was a very important part of that effort.

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“His football knowledge is second to none and he can only add value to his new employers at Sunderland AFC.

“On building the backroom office, his direction and support has now given us the opportunity to employ Leanne Mayo as the club's new Chief Executive, stepping up from her role as Chief Operating Officer.

“We want to thank him for representing Scunthorpe United, both within the club and also on the various football boards over the last five years, wishing him a successful and continued career in football.

“As a family, we would personally like to thank Jim for his support and his efforts whilst on the board of Scunthorpe United and welcome Leanne to the board at the same time.”

Sunderland have said that the appointment does not affect the club’s for-sale status, with a couple of interested parties weighing up their next steps in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

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