Niall Quinn

Niall Quinn – White Knight?

Rumours persisted today that former Sunderland and Ireland striker Niall Quinn is preparing a deal to head a consortium planning to buy the controlling interests of Sunderland AFC chairman Bob Murray.

First reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, speculation continues that Quinn is interested in buying the club along with former Manchester United directors John Magnier and J.P. Mcmanus who are well known to Quinn through horse racing circles, “big Niall” owns a stud farm.

After six years at the club under the management of Peter Reid, Quinn retired from football and raised over a million pounds for childrens’ charities at his testimonial match. Some of that money was used to build a brand new childrens’ unit at Sunderland’s Royal general hospital. He has also qualified for his coaching badges, as well as taking on commentary work for Sky Sports and writing for The Guardian.

“I learned my trade at Arsenal, became a footballer at Man City, but Sunderland got under my skin. It hurt me deeply to leave. I love Sunderland”, Quinn was reported as saying after his career at the club.

Naturally the club is distancing itself from these reports and insist that no contact has been arranged at the highest levels between Niall and Bob Murray.

Links

BBC Sport
The Times
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