Quinn takes on International Development role at Sunderland AFC

Tue 4th Oct 2011 | Football Club Management

Sunderland AFC have announced that Niall Quinn is to spearhead International Development on behalf of the club.

Relinquishing his day-to-day Chairman's duties, Quinn will now focus on developing Sunderland's profile and business interests overseas. To allow Niall sufficient time to devote to the challenge, owner Ellis Short has agreed to take up the reins as Chairman.

Speaking about the changes, Niall said: "This is a great opportunity for us to make the club stronger and I'm delighted that Ellis has agreed to support the plan.

"He'll be a fantastic Chairman and taking this role on speaks volumes about his ambition for the club."

Ellis Short said: "I can assure our fans that it's the same group of people continuing to lead the club.

"With financial fair play rules coming into effect it is essential for the long-term success of the club that we develop interests on a global scale and there's no-one better than Niall to sell the ethos of Sunderland to an international audience. He has been keen to drive this change for some time and I agree that it's the way forward for us now."

"Assuming the position of Chairman is a great honour and I will treat the role as guardian of this club with the utmost respect."

SAFC's Chief Executive, Margaret Byrne, added: "Niall is widely known and hugely respected throughout the world of football. His profile, coupled with his vast knowledge of the game and the business, means he is perfectly placed to bring Sunderland to the forefront internationally."

"This new challenge begins immediately as he represents the club at the prestigious Leaders in Football conference in London this week, after which he travels to Korea with Steve Bruce and Mike Farnan, International Marketing Director. Trips to territories such as Vietnam, India, Abu Dhabi and Africa are also taking place in the coming months."

His first task in his new role will see Quinn leading a delegation of senior club executives, which includes manager Steve Bruce and International Marketing Director, Mike Farnan, on a three-day visit to Korea.

The visit will include a reception at the British Embassy in Seoul, attended by some of the country's major sports and business figures.

They will also take in the Korean national teams World Cup Qualifying game against the United Arab Emirates, at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, attending as guests of the Korean FA.

Sunderland's Korean international striker Ji Dong Won is set to feature in the game.

Speaking about the trip Niall said: "Whilst we will always be steeped in the tradition of our north east roots, for our club to grow, develop and compete with the big teams we need to raise our profile globally.

"Our trip to Korea is very much about building links from both a football and community perspective and we are honoured to have been invited."

SAFC's International marketing Director, Mike Farnan added: "There's a huge interest in and passion for Premier League football across Asia and there's a great opportunity for Sunderland to be part of this.

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