William Storey refuses to drop Sunderland takeover talk - Every word the businessman has said on the Black Cats as Kyril Louis-Dreyfus deal edges nearer

The entrepreneur claimed to be heavily-interested in completing a takeover at the Stadium of Light late last year, suggesting that he had submitted a bid of £45million to buy the Black Cats from current owner Stewart Donald.

Since then, an agreement has been reached that is set to see Kyril Louis-Dreyfus take over as the majority shareholder on Wearside, putting an end to any aspirations Storey may have of securing a deal.

Dreyfus’ buyout is still yet to be fully ratified, however, with the EFL reported to still be waiting for assurances from Donald and fellow investor Juan Sartori that they will continue to provide funding in their planned roles as minority stakeholders.

And it would appear that Storey is still keeping a close eye on events in the North East.

Reacting to an article detailing the reported snag in Dreyfus’ takeover on his personal Twitter account, the outspoken businessman said: “Very odd”.

This is far from the only time that Storey has taken to social media to talk about Sunderland since his buyout attempt had seemingly failed, however.

We’ve gathered everything that the 42-year-old has said about the Black Cats since Dreyfus’ takeover was announced below:

Reacting to the initial news of the 23-year-old’s successful bid on Christmas Eve, Storey tweeted: “Very disappointing as we offered so much more,” and he went on to add: “I wish Dreyfus the best of luck and I hope he delivers what the fans deserve. A wonderful club.”

Later that day, one of his followers raised the prospect of him turning his attentions to a takeover of Newcastle United, to which he replied: “there is only one club I'm interested in. Thirdly watch this space. Happy Xmas.”

Tweeting just before the new year, Storey then made a point of offering Dreyfus his best wishes, as well as reiterating his commitment to Sunderland.

He said: “All my group congratulate Kyril Louis-Dreyfus on the Sunderland deal.

"We wish him the very best of luck. I remain a massive fan of the club and will be keeping a close eye on developments.

"With the right investment and management the sky the limit for SAFC. #Hawaythelads”.

To all intents and purposes, it does appear that Storey has been keeping an eye on the Black Cats’ recent results too.

Tweeting on January 2nd, just prior to the 0-0 draw against Northampton Town, he said: “Good luck Sunderland today”.

A few days later, Storey weighed in on an article from The Sun in which American hedge fund manager Matthew Pauls had hit out after his attempt to takeover the club didn’t progress.

The Rich Energy CEO tweeted: “It is rare that I would defend the Sunderland board, but they are right on this.”

He added: "Although I'm disappointed our bid was not accepted with the people behind me, there is no doubt Dreyfus is of high calibre and I hope he does a great job for the club”.

Following that tweet, Storey made a point of reacting to a number of Lee Johnson's early results as manager.

On January 16th, following the 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon, he said: “Superb. Congratulations Sunderland.

"I would absolutely love to see them go up this year. What a club”.

A week later, during the 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town, he tweeted: “Great to see Sunderland ahead.

"And another from Wyke. A win today vital.”

And Storey has been keeping abreast of developments at the Stadium of Light in recent days too.

Tweeting on January 28th, he said: “I'm a huge supporter now.

"I respected decision in good faith in December. A couple of decent results pleasing but the transfer window closing soon!?!

"I'm concerned takeover still not ratified and where are signings and investment?”

A couple of days later, Storey reacted to Gillingham’s late equaliser in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with the simple message: “Very disappointing.”

His most recent tweet was the “very odd” that accompanied the fresh development on Dreyfus’ takeover attempt.

Whatever he meant by that, and whatever fans may think of his efforts, there’s no getting away from the fact that Storey is refusing to drop his newfound affiliation with the Black Cats.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor