William Storey tries to win favour with Sunderland fans - by taking a shot at Newcastle United's Saudi-backed takeover

Storey, the founder and CEO of Rich Energy, has been vocal in his desire to purchase the Black Cats from Stewart Donald – despite the Sunderland owner being in a period of exclusivity with another potential buyer.

The energy drink entrepreneur was pictured on Wearside on Wednesday and appeared on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport programme to discuss his bid for the club.

And he took the opportunity to try and curry some favour with supporters of the Black Cats by taking a shot at Newcastle United’s drawn-out takeover saga – which he has labelled an ‘absolute nonsense’.

"I am a bit unorthodox and I accept that, no problem," he said.

"But the reality is that I know what I am doing, I work incredibly hard, I have nothing to hide, I welcome scrutiny, I know football, and I am very passionate.

"Perhaps it is unorthodox, but look at the absolute shambles down the road with the Staveley takeover that took forever and was actually a load of nonsense.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm nothing like that - some financial suit that wants to bring in moneymen, I'm not interested.

"I'm a football fan, I know the game, I've managed to get big-hitters behind me and I want the fans to know that because I have nothing to hide."

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