Quinn urges fans to accept Black Cats’ share offer

SUNDERLAND chairman-elect Niall Quinn yesterday appealed for the club’s small shareholders to allow him to achieve his takeover dream.

The 39-year-old and his consortium launched a £10 million (€14 million) takeover bid for the club on Monday having secured agreements to buy up 72.59% of the shares from former chairman Bob Murray, his deputy John Fickling and ex-manager Peter Reid. The offer is conditional on the group securing a 90% stake in the club to assume complete control.

Quinn yesterday appealed through the city’s evening newspaper, the Sunderland Echo, to fans who bought shares when the club was floated to accept his 117p offer.

He said: “We need to be 100% in charge. We believe that we have a sporting chance of putting the club where it belongs.

“We need the support of the smaller shareholders. It’s up to them now.”