Sunderland postpone support meeting due to 'advancement and sensitivity' of takeover talks
Sunderland AFC have announced that they have cancelled a scheduled meeting with supporters' groups - due to the 'advancement and sensitivity' of takeover talks.
Key figures at the club, including chief executive Jim Rodwell, were set to meet with various fan groups on Thursday in their latest structured dialogue meeting.
The continuing uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club was set to feature high on the agenda, with Rodwell confirming last month that the club remained in exclusivity with a preferred bidder over a deal.
And it's because of the advanced nature of the proposed deal that the club have pushed the meeting back.
Rodwell explained: "After discussions with the relevant fan groups, we have taken the decision to postpone tomorrow’s supporter collective meeting.
“The club remains in a period of exclusivity with a preferred buyer and due to the advancement and sensitivity of this process, it would be inappropriate to comment publicly at this time.
“I would like to thank our supporters’ groups, and the wider fan base, for their continued patience and understanding throughout this period.”
The Sunderland AFC Branch Liaison Council – which represents supporter club branches throughout the country – said they understood the decision of the club.
They tweeted: “We're disappointed that the meeting has been cancelled as we had lots to discuss but we fully understand the position of the club in regards to the period of exclusivity.
"We look forward to meeting in the near future.”
It remains unclear who Sunderland’s preferred bidder is, although recent reports suggested an American investor was keen on securing a deal for the club.