Sunderland AFC is to welcome two new non-executive directors to the club.
David Jones, presenter of Sky Sports flagship Super Sunday and Monday Night Football programmes and Tom Sloanes, commercial director (Exchange) at GVC Group, one of the world’s largest sports-betting and gaming groups, will join following EFL approval.
David, as well as his high-profile role at Sky Sports, was previously a director at Oxford United for three years.
Tom has worked closely with Sunderland AFC for the last two years in his senior role with the club’s principal partner BETDAQ and brings with him many years of top-level commercial experience.
Speaking about the appointments, chairman Stewart Donald said: “We warmly welcome David and Tom to the club.
“As lifelong Sunderland fans, they share a tremendous passion for the football club and bring with them a wealth of football knowledge and commercial experience.”
David Jones said: “I was honoured to accept Stewart Donald’s invitation to join the board.
“As a supporter of over 35 years, the club has always been close to my heart and I’ll do everything I can to help it get back to where it belongs – and the sooner the better.
“Naturally I am acutely aware of how the football club is woven into the very fabric of the city and its people, so bringing success back to Sunderland is so important on many levels and I can’t wait to get started.”
Tom Sloanes said: “From a young lad playing for Sunderland Boys, to sealing the deal to bring in BETDAQ as the club’s shirt sponsor, Sunderland has been a significant part of my life for over 50 years.
“I care deeply and passionately about this football club. I understand the commercial side of football, but I also understand the emotional side of being a Sunderland fan and to be able to be in a position to help it to move forward is hugely exciting for me.”