Monsieur Salut knew, or had a good idea, this was coming, but thought it prudent not to say. Now it has happened. Martin Bain, CEO of Sunderland AFC, is now Martin Bain, ex-CEO of SAFC. No one takes his place because the “place” has been declared surplus to requirements – quite a dramatic change from being one considered worthy of £1.2m a year.
The official club statement says Bain’s post has been made redundant and quotes the new owner Stewart Donald directly:
We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Martin for all of his efforts during his time at the club and in particular for his work during the takeover process, which we very much appreciate. We wish him well for the future.
Bain said: “My position of CEO at Sunderland AFC has been made redundant and I will be leaving the club with immediate effect. I wish the new owners and those involved with the club moving forward well for the future.
“During the last two years, I have had the honour and pleasure of working alongside a dedicated and passionate group of staff, who have nothing but the best interests of the club at their core. I am hugely appreciative of the steadfast support they have given me and I truly hope that they get to enjoy happier times.
“It has been a testing period personally in exceptionally difficult circumstances and I sincerely wish for a brighter future for the club and its supporters.”
Few tears will be shed among supporters.
Bain bears at least some responsibility for the shambles into which, under Ellis Short, the club was allowed to descend, though all he did was undoubtedly done at his master’s bidding. When the new owner began to look at the need for “root and branch” change, the size of his salary was – to him and his team – a particular source of bewilderment.
Stand by for a lot more upheaval.
See also:
* SAFC takeover: done and dusted with a £40m price tag and, soon, a new manager
* Red socks, pinstripes, fighting the bosses. Who is the Charlie Methven in SAFC takeover?
F***ing love Charlie Methven me. Love the man. Would read you a cracking bed time story @RokerReport
— Jayne (@jaynizzle90) May 21, 2018
* And let’s not be churlish: Roker Report’s podcast with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven (whose mention of a minor investment translates, according to Salut! Sunderland’s information, as six per cent): https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/5/21/17377704/roker-rapport-podcast-with-sunderland-owners-stewart-donald-charlie-methven
Good riddance parasite.
Came in as Short’s henchman to strip us of anything of value we had and if pride and self-respect was a collateral damage, so what? He deserves no praise or thanks and he won’t be missed. His predecessor, with her ‘wealth of legal experience’, negotiated and stamped some of the worst contracts football has seen and not just at SAFC. Her role in the sordid AJ affair saw her well-rewarded exit. If ever there was a case for eliminating the role of CEO we are it. Just another layer of superfluous management taking out of the system and putting nothing back. As Peter S says, what’s wrong with having a club secretary and his team with nothing but the good of SAFC in their hearts?
Now, hopefully, the ritual blood-letting is coming to an end and I’m quite buoyed by the situation. I didn’t think I would be but a clean start like now would be a disaster in the PL. It would be ‘challenging’ in the 2nd division and our new boss says we’re starting afresh with the biggest funding in the third division. If that’s not ‘cards on the table talk’ I don’t know what is. He doesn’t do bluster.
I’ve watched Eastleigh over the last few years, it being my local team, and my son is a fan and attendee. What Stewart Donald has done there is remarkable. Slow and steady progress, always upwards, and not afraid of challenges. The league placings, fan base and revenue have all been increased in his time. He’s very low-key but serious and focused. Hopefully we’ve stopped circling the plug-hole and I’m looking forward to next season for the first time in a few years.
I always felt that everything he did was in the interests of Ellis Short first, Ellis Short second and Sunderland Football Club a poor third. He will not be missed. Ron Linney and George Crow ran the club in the Good Old Days as Club Secretary. Has anyone on the site ever come across a Chief Executive Officer who was of any use whatsoever?
So the cost cutter who made dozens of auxiliary staff redundant, whilst pocketing a small fortune has walked the plank himself . Good riddance.