Murray urges Sunderland shareholders to sell up

FORMER Sunderland chairman Bob Murray has urged the club’s small shareholders to sell their stakes in the club to Niall Quinn.

Quinn announced on Monday that he and the seven remaining members of his consortium had formally launched their £10m takeover bid. They have so far reached agreements to buy Murray’s 56.8% holding, as well as those shares owned by former boss Peter Reid and vice-chairman, giving them a total of 72.59%. However, the offer — at 117p per share — is conditional upon achieving a 90% stake which would allow them to assume total control.

Quinn has urged the remaining shareholders to help him fulfil his vision and, in a letter which will be included in the offer document when it is sent out later this week, Murray has added his backing.