Black Cats chief set to step down

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray will stand down from his post tomorrow after almost 20 years as Niall Quinn prepares to formally launch his takeover bid.

Murray revealed earlier this month he would vacate the hot-seat at the Stadium of Light on June 30 regardless of who owned the club.

He did so in an effort to clear the way for Quinn and his Irish consortium to complete their £10million takeover.

However, their formal offer – which would hand Murray £5.7m (€8.2m) for his 56.8% stake in the club – is not expected to be tabled today.

The offer is expected to be made within the next couple of days, and perhaps as late as Monday, with the two parties having agreed a price earlier this week.

For Murray, his departure tomorrow will mark the end of a 22-year involvement at board level, but not his 51-year love affair with the club.

He said: “I have lived through some great and not so great times, but overall remain very proud of what has been achieved in my time.

“The club does not resemble what it did before I got involved. I am a lifelong fan, and I know the club is in a better position today than back in 1984.

“Whatever else happens this week and in the takeover process, I will be stepping down as chairman on Friday and leaving the club with wonderful memories.”