This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Sunderland chief executive Charlie Methven has stepped down from his role at the club, a position he has held since he was part of Stewart Donald’s takeover of the club back in summer 2018.
It is believed he was keen to resign a couple of months ago but was persuaded to stay a little while longer by Donald, until they secured the investment from the American consortium and a replacement had been lined up.
It’s perhaps a little difficult to assess his time at the club, as although he brought back a feel-good factor after years of uninspiring decisions and results, he has ultimately left at a time where the Black Cats are arguably in the worst position they’ve ever been in.
Fellow stakeholder Juan Sartori will take over responsibilities of running the club day-to-day, which seems to be a bit of a strange choice by Donald, as although he has a stake in the club he lacks the experience and perhaps the know-how.
It is not like Donald has much experience of managing a big side, too, though this should still be treated as a new chapter and one which Sunderland can benefit from.
Sartori can breathe some much-needed fresh life into things and hopefully make changes, particularly in the area of recruitment, which has been poor in recent months.
Addressing the issue of a need for a Director of Football would be a great start, and supporting Phil Parkinson in whatever method possible has to be high on his agenda.
Giving him the best tools to work with is vital if the Black Cats are going to get back to the Championship, and though he hasn’t started well he deserves to be entrusted with money to spend.
Establishing trust and a connection with the fans is also critical. Methven lost that touch recently, as did his predecessor Martin Bain, and it is unsurprising that things went sour on the pitch for both as a result.
Another change in the hierarchy which could help is to bring in a Director of Football. It would give the responsibility of controlling football matters to a footballing man, and Sunderland would likely benefit as a result.
